The risk of depression among fathers before and after the birth of their children is more common than previously thought, proving a risk to the well-being of their families, New Zealand researchers said Thursday.

The University of Auckland study found that expectant fathers were at risk if they felt stressed or were in poor health, and elevated depression symptoms following their child's birth were linked to social and relationship problems.

The study investigated depression symptoms in more than 3,500 New Zealand men during the third trimester of their partner's pregnancy and again nine months after their child's birth.

During the perinatal period (from the third trimester of pregnancy to nine months after birth), 217, or 6.2 percent of the men experienced symptoms of depression.

Around one in 25 men reported symptoms of postnatal depression while antenatal depression only affected about one in 50.

By comparison, more mothers suffered depression symptoms before than after the birth of their children.