Perinatal mental health and services

Perinatal mental health issues complicating pregnancy and the first postpartum year are common, with 10-20% of women developing mental ill health during this period. It is a significant public health issue and if left untreated, can have a devastating impact not only on the woman affected but also on her family unit. 

The ‘perinatal period’ is the name given to the period during pregnancy and up to one year after birth.

There is a spectrum of ill health, with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate low mood/ anxiety through to more serious illnesses such as post-partum psychosis. The majority of women detected will experience mild to moderate symptoms and can be helped with increased support from family, maternity services, health visitors and primary care services, including GPs.

Who is this page for

• Pregnant women
• Fathers and partners
• Families and carers
• Healthcare professionals 

Key information and when to seek help

• Perinatal mental health covers a range of conditions during pregnancy and the first year after birth.
• Depression and anxiety are the most common conditions - approximately 10-20% of women and up to 10% of fathers or partners, will experience a perinatal mental health problem.
• Early support is important and if you are concerned, speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician during your appointments to ensure you get the support you need.

Who can develop a perinatal mental health problem? 

Women can develop perinatal mental health problems at any time, no matter what age you are or how many pregnancies you have had. 

The majority of women are managed by their GP, health visitor and/or midwife, including those with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and other conditions. They may not require medication and will often respond to psychological and/or social support. Women with more significant illness may require medication only or medication with the addition of psychological and social support.

Perinatal mental health HSC Trust teams 

There are Perinatal Mental Health Teams in each HSC Trust area and there are two groups of women who would be referred to their local Perinatal Mental Health Team for support:

• Women with a pre-existing mental health problem (such as bipolar disorder or previous postpartum psychosis). These women, although currently well, are considered to be at risk of relapse or recurrence of their illness in pregnancy or, more commonly, the postnatal period.
• Women who develop a significant episode of illness in association with the perinatal period. A number of these women may present with rapidly deteriorating illness, requiring urgent assessment by mental health services, particularly if they present within the first six weeks postnatal.

For women who are experiencing mild symptoms of mental health problems and do not fall under the above criteria of women referred to Perinatal mental health HSC Trust teams other support is available which may involve:

• Onward referral to other mental health services
• Specialist midwifery clinic for enhanced care
• Psychology referral
• Health visitor (if more than 24 weeks gestation)
• Community and voluntary sector
• Self-help resources

Click here for easy read version of Perinatal mental health services HSCT teams.

Life stage Starting well – Pregnancy and preconception – Perinatal mental health; also cross-link with Mental health and wellbeing