Although pregnancy can be a joyous time spent shopping for all in suits, baby carriers and travel high chairs, some expectant mothers can struggle with depression.

According to the Association of Radical Midwives, the fact that pregnancy has a societal image as a happy time makes it difficult for some females to cope with these types of feelings.

Feeling guilty about their mood can leave ladies feeling even more isolated than if they were not pregnant and suffering from depression, admin secretary Sarah Montagu explained.

Family and friends should know the signs of this type of illness, which include "alterations of mood, feeling even more tired, lack of interest in anything and not doing usual things like showering", she added.

Ms Montagu's comments follow a recent study which claimed acupuncture could help pregnant women suffering from depression.

The research appears in the March 2010 edition of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and is titled Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Posted by Ed SaltersADNFCR-3005-ID-19633678-ADNFCR