Mental health support during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a major event. It can be overwhelming and it’s normal to feel many different emotions.¹

But if you’re struggling with your thoughts or emotions most of the time, or they’re negatively affecting your life, you could be experiencing a mental health problem.¹

Up to 27% of pregnant women and new mothers experience a mental health problem, so it’s very common.² There are lots of ways to manage it and support is available for you.³

You may be more likely to experience mental health problems during pregnancy if you’ve struggled with your mental health before. But some people experience their first episode of a mental health issue during pregnancy.⁴

Some of the most common ways your mental health can change during pregnancy are:

• Anxiety around pregnancy, giving birth or parenthood
• Body image issues, especially if you have struggled with an eating disorder in the past
• Depression or low mood
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Tokophobia (fear of pregnancy or childbirth).3

If you want to get pregnant but you have a mental health condition, or you’ve experienced one in the past, there’s lots of help available for you.

Talk to your GP if you’re considering trying for a baby but you’re worried about your mental health condition. They can talk to you about what support they can offer if your mental health gets worse during pregnancy.⁵

If you take medication for a mental health condition, you should also talk to your GP. They may suggest a lower dose or a different medication that’s safer in pregnancy. They’ll discuss your options and help you find what’s right for you. Don’t stop taking your medication without getting medical advice first.⁵

If you’re pregnant and struggling with your mental health, talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor.⁶

Your GP can offer treatment like talking therapy and medication. One example of a talking therapy is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which helps you challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that negatively affect your mental health.⁶

If you’re prescribed medication to help you manage your mental health, your GP will discuss the risks with you. You will be given the lowest possible dose to avoid any unnecessary risk to your baby.³

Talk to your partner, family and friends about how you’re feeling so they can support you. You can also try attending local antenatal classes with other expecting parents.³

Living a healthy lifestyle can help with your mental health. This includes eating a balanced diet, doing some exercise and getting enough sleep. Try to make time for your hobbies and things you enjoy.³

Remember that everyone experiences pregnancy differently. Try not to judge your feelings or compare them to others’.³