My background in work is a mental health nurse. I worked for 6 years in acute mental health care and so mental health is incredibly close to my heart. Having now become a Hypnobirthing instructor at Birthingyourway, making sure the mental health of pregnant and new mums is super important to me.

Perinatal mental health / maternal mental health refers to the mental and emotional well-being of women during pregnancy and the first two years after childbirth. In the UK, perinatal mental health is a significant public health issue, as mental health conditions in this period can have a massive impact on mothers, babies, and families.

Common Conditions in Perinatal Mental Health:

Perinatal Depression: Depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) or after childbirth (postnatal depression). This is one of the most common perinatal mental health conditions.
Perinatal Anxiety: Anxiety disorders that can occur during pregnancy or the first year after birth, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and phobias, especially related to childbirth or baby care.
Postpartum Psychosis: A rare, but serious, condition that affects approximately 1 in 1,000 women after childbirth, characterised by hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood swings. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): In some cases, women may experience intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours related to their baby’s safety or the ability to care for them. It is also common for women/mums to experience intrusive thoughts about wanting to harm to thinking they may harm their baby. It is incredibly important to know that whilst this would be terrifying and scary, just because you experience intrusive thoughts, it does not mean that you would or will act on them. Equally, if you are getting thoughts of these nature, it’s absolutely important that you seek professional support.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Women who have had traumatic birth experiences or who have experienced a history of abuse may develop PTSD in the perinatal period.

Perinatal Mental Health Statistics:

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), 1 in 5 women (approximately **20%) experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. This is a shocking statistic as it is really high! However, it does help to demonstrate how incredibly common it is - I think its very normal for people struggling to feel alone and like they are the only person that feels this way, which can be very isolating.

The maternal mental health survey by Mind (UK mental health charity) found that approximately 10-15% of women experience postnatal depression.

What to do if I am, or someone I know is, struggling with with perinatal mental health?

If you're struggling with perinatal mental health issues in the UK, it’s important to seek support as early as possible. Sometimes the hardest part can be admitting that you are struggling. Saying those words to a loved person can be liberating in itself. You know what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved! And I really think this is true in breaking down that wall to get help. There are several avenues you can take to get help, and it's crucial to remember that you are not alone, and there is support available.

1. Speak to Your GP or Health Visitor

GP: Your GP is usually the first point of contact for any health concerns, including mental health. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or are experiencing other mental health issues during pregnancy or after childbirth, speak to your GP as soon as possible. They can offer advice, prescribe medication (if needed), or refer you to mental health services.
Health Visitor: Health visitors are trained to support parents and babies. They can help with emotional and mental health concerns, and can also refer you to more specialised services if necessary.

2. Perinatal Mental Health Services (PMHS)

The NHS has specialised perinatal mental health services for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues. These teams include mental health professionals who are trained in supporting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
If you are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis, or other serious conditions, your GP or health visitor can refer you to these specialist teams.
PMHS can offer various forms of support, including:

Medication (antidepressants or anxiety medication, where appropriate)
Family support and advice on coping strategies
Hospital-based care (in more severe cases)

3. Call the Perinatal Mental Health Helplines

We are very lucky that we have access in this country to so many charity based services that can support you through perinatal mental health. Mind has created a summary of useful contacts to use to seek perinatal mental health support. You can access this here: https://www.mind.org.uk/.../postnatal.../useful-contacts/

It is not uncommon for people to find that where the NHS is overrun that getting support on the NHS can be slow and lengthy, however, being able to access these charities can be quick and there is various phone lines available so that if you are in a crisis or or need support immediately - it is there for you!

4. Talk to Your Partner, Family, or Friends

Sharing how you feel with someone you trust, whether it's your partner, family member, or a close friend, can be a first step in getting support. They can provide emotional reassurance and may also be able to help you with the next steps in seeking professional care.
It may feel difficult to open up, especially due to stigma, but talking about how you’re feeling can be incredibly helpful in reducing isolation and starting the healing process.

5. Accessing Talking Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other types of talking therapies can be very effective for perinatal mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These therapies can help you manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are impacting your mental health. I would be prepared that with the NHS waiting times can vary massively - I’ve spoken to people who have been waiting for months. It is an amazing therapy and probably well worth the wait but when you need a quick fix then if it is within your reach, private may be a quicker option! Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it might be that you go quicker up the waiting list too.
If your GP or health visitor feels that therapy would be beneficial, they may refer you to services such as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), which offers a range of psychological treatments. Some therapies are also available self-referral which can be quicker than waiting on referrals to go through! Also, some people get some private health insurance with their work - its always good to check this out as an option too. This would be more likely be quicker to access than NHS services.

6. Contact Your Midwife

Your midwife can be a key source of support, particularly if you are struggling during pregnancy. They can help monitor your emotional well-being, offer practical advice, and refer you to the right mental health services.
Midwives are trained to recognise signs of perinatal mental health issues and can guide you through accessing care. However, we know that women are very good at hiding problems or not admitting them even when asked. It is important that if you are offered support or openings to conversations about your mental health that you do your best to talk openly and honestly about this to get the best support.

7. Consider Peer Support Groups

Many women find comfort and understanding by connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges. There are peer support groups available that focus on perinatal mental health.
Online forums and local groups (such as those run by charities like NCT, Mind, and APPD) can provide you with a safe space to share experiences and receive support from others.
Mother’s Mental Health Peer Support Groups: These groups can help you connect with others who have been through similar experiences, providing mutual support and reducing isolation.

8. Take Care of Your Physical Health

Taking care of your body can have a positive effect on your mental well-being. Try to ensure that you:

Get enough sleep (where possible). Obviously I know this can be difficult with a new born but its okay to ask for help to rest! Its hard for you to fill up someone else’s cup (babies) if yours isn’t full first.
Eat a balanced diet. There is loads of different instagram pages that help find recipes and snack options for quick and health options. I know when your running round with a baby it isn’t always easy to eat well. Trying to be organised (much easier said than done, I know!!) can make this easier.
Exercise (gentle exercise, like walking, can help improve mood). Even just a 10 minuet walk in the fresh air each day can make the world of difference.
Limit alcohol or caffeine (as these can impact your mental health). Stuff like this, you don’t always realise how much difference it can make. Even just taking a couple of weeks away from alcohol or caffeine and you can start to feel the benefits without them. I used to think I wouldn’t survive without caffeine when my little boy wasn’t sleeping badly, but when I got pregnant again I had to cut it down drastically and was pleasantly surprised by how much I didn’t need it as much as I thought!

9. Emergency Support in Crisis

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, such as thoughts of self-harm, harming your baby, or having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to get urgent help:

Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if you feel you or your baby are in immediate danger.
Contact Samaritans if you need emotional support: 116 123 (24/7 helpline)

Just another reminder - if you are someone who experiences intrusive thoughts which are very dark in nature (thoughts about harm to self or others, including baby) this does NOT make you a bad person, a failure or anything awful like this. It also does NOT mean that you are likely to, or would ever act on such thoughts. This is just a symptom of a mental health disorder and does not define you. It is incredibly common for new mums to experience intrusive thoughts - I promise you when I say, you are not alone.

10. Know Your Rights

In the UK, you have the right to receive support for mental health conditions, including during pregnancy and the postnatal period. The NHS has legal obligations to provide mental health services for all individuals, and maternal mental health is increasingly recognised as a priority area.
If you are not getting the help you need, you can contact organisations such as Mind or The MMHA to advocate on your behalf.

Finally…

Perinatal mental health problems are common, but help is available.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals, support groups, or helplines if you're struggling. Remember, your mental health matters just as much as your physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The UK has made significant progress in improving maternal mental health care, and there is a growing recognition that the perinatal period is a crucial time for addressing mental health needs.

Early intervention can make a significant difference in both your well-being and your baby’s development.