Having a baby is a big life event. You may have mixed emotions and it’s common for people to experience mental health problems during pregnancy and/or after the birth of a baby.
It’s important to talk to your midwife, GP, or health visitor about how you feel early so you can get help sooner.
Mental illness can affect anyone. You may experience mental illness for the first time in pregnancy or after the birth, or you may have had mental health problems in the past. Asking for help is the start of getting the right help and support to ensure you can be the parent you want to be.
Tell your midwife or obstetrician if you have current or previous mental health issues, or you feel your mental health declining. They’ll refer you to our specialist mental health midwives for enhanced support during your pregnancy, and up to 28 days after your baby is born. Our specialist midwives will help you to take control in a non-judgemental way. We can signpost and refer you for therapeutic support or a medication review if needed.
You must be pregnant, and booked to have your baby with BHT Maternity
Mental illness can affect anyone. You may experience mental illness for the first time in pregnancy or after the birth, or you may have had mental health problems in the past.
The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and childbirth may result in you or your partner experiencing:
-Low mood, sadness and tearfulness
-Anxiety, OCD, worry and tension
-Irritability and anger
-Difficult or unexpected feelings towards your pregnancy or baby
-Poor sleep even when your baby sleeps well
-Feeling unable to cope or enjoy anything
-Thoughts that you’re not a good enough parent
-Worrying thoughts about your baby
-Relationship and social stress, such as housing, financial or relationship issues
-Anxiety about labour or struggling to come to terms with a difficult birth.