Everyone knows that you should glow when you’re pregnant, and be full of happiness and fulfilment when you’ve had your baby. But what if that’s not how you feel? This is where understanding maternal mental health becomes crucial.
First of all, you’re not alone: more than one in ten women develops a mental illness during pregnancy, or in the first year after having a baby.
And most of them tell no one.
This is a real shame because you don’t need to struggle on alone: you can be treated and be well.
If you feel that something is wrong – perhaps you are really struggling to cope, feeling low week after week, or you just don’t feel like yourself – talk to someone about maternal mental health issues.
You can talk to your midwife, your GP, someone in your family – but make sure you get help, and if you know that something is wrong don’t let anyone brush you off with “it’s just your hormones”, or “it’s only baby blues”. Trust your instincts about what’s right for you.
If you have experienced mental illness before, or have a long-term condition, you may find it returns or is exacerbated by pregnancy or childbirth, but if you work with your doctors from the moment you know you are pregnant they will be able to give you the support you need to stay well during this time.
A sign of how much maternal mental health matters is that last month the Mental Health Foundation announced that it has been awarded £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund for its new Mums and Families in Mind project. They’ll be working in partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance to train midwives, health visitors and other professionals in perinatal mental health.
The new project is much needed because many pregnant or new mothers with mental illness go undiagnosed and untreated and their illness affects not only the women themselves but also their families and babies.
The Alliance is running a campaign, “Everyone’s Business”, that calls for every woman who develops a mental illness in pregnancy to receive the care they need for maternal mental health.
If you are pregnant and feel that you may be depressed, it is vital that you talk to your doctor.
You can be treated without harm to your baby and not only is this important for your own well-being, but also for your unborn child: recent research shows that depression in pregnancy can make it more likely for your unborn child to experience depression in adolescence or adulthood if maternal mental health support is not sought.
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Tommy’s, for advice from midwives
Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)
Royal College of Psychiatrists: leaflet about mental health in pregnancy
Baby blues are very common and usually begin a few days after birth, lasting up to two weeks. Symptoms include mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability. Postnatal depression, on the other hand, is more severe and lasts longer, often requiring professional support and treatment.
Yes, many women experience emotional changes during pregnancy. However, if feelings of anxiety, sadness, or being overwhelmed persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek support.
Absolutely not. Seeking help is a sign of strength and shows that you care deeply about your well-being and your baby’s. Mental health challenges are common, and getting support is the best thing you can do for both of you.
Yes, there are safe and effective treatment options available during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always speak with your GP, psychiatrist, or midwife to find the most appropriate and safe option for your situation.
If you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your baby, changes in sleep or appetite, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it’s important to seek help. These are signs that you may be dealing with a perinatal mental health condition and support is available to help you feel better.
