Isle of Wight NHS
Healthy Child Programme
Mental Health Problems Associated with Pregnancy or the Postnatal Period
Information for families
In order to thrive babies need a nurturing environment so they can develop strong and positive attachment with their parents. Evidence shows that parental mental health problems impact negatively on a baby’s brain development. Good mental health throughout pregnancy and following the birth is therefore important to ensure all babies have the best start in life and parenting is a positive experience for all.
Common Mental Health Problems associated with childbearing
Antenatal Period
You may experience some symptoms of depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy, most of which are normal if they’re mild. This can be due to hormonal changes, tiredness, worry or nausea. If the symptoms become severe or interfere with daily life then you may require treatment from a health professional.
If you’ve experienced mental health problems in the past it is extremely important that you share this with your Midwife or Health Visitor as this can make you more vulnerable to mental health problems during pregnancy and following the birth of your baby.
Postnatal Period
Baby Blues
The baby blues is a feeling of low mood, often accompanied by tearfulness, which usually occurs between 4-12 days following childbirth and is normal and experienced by most women. The low mood normally lasts for only a few days.
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression is a mental health condition which affects between 1 and 4 women in every 10 women (research indicates that men can suffer from postnatal depression too). Symptoms usually start 2-8 weeks after childbirth, although they have been known to start up to a year following the birth. Symptoms may initially be experienced mildly, which is normal . These symptoms may resolve within a few weeks by using some self help strategies detailed in this leaflet. However, if symptoms persist, get more severe or are interfering with daily life you may need help from a health professional.
In extremely rare cases symptoms can become very severe requiring urgent medical attention. This usually includes a stay in hospital and medication.
The majority of people affected by mental health problems associated with childbirth make a full recovery with the right help and support.
Symptoms of mental health problems in pregnancy or postnatal period
· Low or feeling depressed
· Feeling emotional or irrational
· Tearful for no apparent reason
· Feeling anxious, panicky or on edge
· Unable to stop or control your worrying
· Feeling touchy or irritable
· Loss of interest or enjoyment
· Feeling unable to enjoy the baby
· Being unable to concentrate
· Generally feeling unwell
· Feeling resentment towards your baby or your partner
· Avoiding people, places or activities
· Obsessive or compulsive behaviour
· Poor sleep (even when your baby is sleeping)
How can we help you?
Your Health Visitor or midwife will help you to complete a small set of questions which can indicate if you have any symptoms of mental health problems.
Under the Healthy Child Programme, Health Visitors can offer a number of listening visits to allow you time to discuss, and help you understand your feelings and emotions. They can also direct you to local support groups and resources, including your local Family Centre , who can provide short term counselling and Baby Massage courses.
If you and your Health Visitor or Midwife feels you need further treatment, they can help you to contact your GP or specialist teams that can offer treatment and support.
How can you help yourself?
· Do some gentle exercise (such as a walk)
· Make time for yourself daily (try taking a warm bath)
· Avoid caffeine and alcohol
· Keep well hydrated
· Eat healthily and at regular intervals during the day
· Try to get as much sleep as possible
· Accept help when it is offered (from friends, family and professionals)
· Use relaxation techniques
How you can help your baby?
· Join a baby massage course at local Family Centre or mother and baby groups in community
· Talk, sing and play with your baby (if you are struggling, seek support from family/friends/baby’s dad)
· Talk to your Health Visitor for advice on other ideas/access to services
Who can help?
Local Resources
Health Visitor / Midwife / GP / Barnardos Family Centre
Mental Health Crisis Line (24 Hours,7 days a week) - 01983 522214
National Resources
Association for Postnatal Illness: 02073860868 / www.apni.org
Pre and Postnatal Depression and Advice: www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
Maternal OCD www.maternalocd.org
Samaritans: 08457909090
Advice for father’s: www.dadinfo.