Good mental health in pregnancy is important and associated with better outcomes for the mother, family and newborn. However, illness around during pregnancy and postnatally is common. It can affect employment too.

80% are not diagnosed. However, evidence shows that there is a good outcome if diagnosed and treated early. It has a big impact on families and on the emotional and educational development of infants. It’s also a leading cause of maternal death.

We carried out a survey of 46 women who were either planning to get pregnant, were pregnant or recently delivered. We asked them about their mental health during pregnancy. we found that 70% felt that they would give an honest answer if asked about their mental health, however, they were reluctant to initiate the conversation.  

Only 25% felt that they had the support needed for their mental health during pregnancy. They felt that generally, midwives were more likely to bring up how they were feeling and health visitors much less likely to do so, despite it having a big impact on the development of the infant.