Perinatal Mental Health Support

What it is

Perinatal mental health covers your emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy and up to a year after birth. Around 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during this period. Support is available through the NHS, charities, and community organisations - you do not need to be in crisis to access help.

NHS services

Specialist perinatal mental health teams are available in every area of England, covering conditions including antenatal/postnatal depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and psychosis. Health visitors are trained to screen for postnatal depression at routine visits. You can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies at nhs.uk/talk.

Charities and helplines

• PANDAS Foundation: Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support. Free helpline: 0808 196 1776 (9am-8pm, 7 days a week). pandasfoundation.org.uk
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance: Network of 160 organisations. Information centre and symptom checker. maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
• Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393. mind.org.uk
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free). samaritans.org
• Home-Start: Home-visiting support from trained parent volunteers. Free and confidential. home-start.org.uk

Support for partners

Partners can also experience depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties. Some areas offer dad-specific groups through Family Hubs. The DadPad app (free, NHS-endorsed) is available for download.

Key things to know

• You do not need to wait until things are severe - early support leads to better outcomes
• There is no shame in asking for help
• If you're already taking medication, talk to your GP early in pregnancy about safe options