Discussing emotional health in pregnancy: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Antenatal depression is an important and neglected aspect of pregnancy and despite its prevalence there is little mention of it in the literature. However, early detection and management may prevent the development of postnatal depression (Henshaw, 1994). This article reports on the administration of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in women during the antenatal period in one community practice. This tool was designed to detect postnatal depression and was used by health visitors (n = 4) in the third trimester of pregnancy to identify clients (n = 15) in need of emotional/social support. Clients and health visitors were then interviewed and their comments recorded and transcribed verbatim. The findings suggest that the EPDS aided the recognition of low mood/antenatal depression. By using the EPDS antenatally and focusing on the needs of the mother, low emotional wellbeing was identified. Use of the EPDS provided both clients and health visitors with an opportunity to discuss emotional health regardless of their antenatal EPDS score.