Wellbeing and Support
The Mental Health Foundation states that between 10% and 20% of women develop mental health problems during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth (referred to as the ‘perinatal’ period). These illnesses include antenatal and postnatal depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum psychosis.
Around 50% of perinatal mental health problems are untreated or undetected, which can devastate women and their families. They are one of the leading causes of death for mothers during pregnancy and the year after birth. Women in around half of the UK have no access to specialist perinatal mental health services, and services are inadequate in other geographical areas. Perinatal mental health is, therefore, a significant public health issue.
With the right help pregnant people can be supported.
Mums Aid
Having a baby is a huge life-changing event and it is natural to have times when you feel overwhelmed and anxious during pregnancy and after your baby is born. Mums Aid have information about the things to look out for and where to get help.
NICE- Maternity and mental health
Women can develop mental ill health for the first time during pregnancy, and pre-existing mental health conditions can get worse in the perinatal period.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced guidance to reduce the risk of mental illness during pregnancy and reduce harm for both mother and child.
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
If you or someone you know is experiencing perinatal mental health problems and you are looking for help, please visit the Maternal Mental Health Alliance's information about support services.
Tommy's- Mental health before, during and after pregnancy
Although it’s normal to have periods of worry and stress when you’re pregnant, some women have feelings that don’t go away and this can be a sign of something more serious. Tommy's have produced resources to support during pregnancy and after the birth, a support service for Black mothers and support for those who may have lost their babies.
Racism and Mental Health
Racism is significantly related to poor health, including mental health. Therefore, it's important to be aware of how to protect your mental health and the resources and support available.
There are a range of resources available to support you, if you feel that racism is affecting your health. Including those provided by the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA), Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
The Motherhood Group
The Motherhood Group, is a social enterprise that supports the Black maternal experience by delivering community-based events, training workshops, peer-to-peer support, national campaigns (Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK), and culturally sensitive programmes for Black mothers.
They also provide peer, legal, doula and counselling support.