Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health

What are perinatal mental health problems?

Having a baby is a significant life event, and it’s completely normal to experience a variety of emotions. However, if these emotions begin to interfere with your daily activities, you may be dealing with a perinatal mental health issue.

This might be a new mental health condition or a recurrence of a previous issue.
Recognising perinatal mental health problems can be challenging, particularly for first-time parents.

Some symptoms might initially seem like normal parts of parenthood, which can make it harder to realise when it’s time to seek assistance.

Some individuals may also face issues with eating during and after pregnancy. The pregnancy charity Tommy’s provides information about eating disorders during this time.

Managing existing mental health problems during pregnancy

If you have a mental health condition and become pregnant, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible. This is also advisable if you’re considering becoming pregnant.

You might speak to your GP or any other medical professional involved in your mental health care, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

This is crucial because having mental health issues can increase the likelihood of becoming unwell during pregnancy and after giving birth, particularly if you have had severe depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder.

Your doctor can assist you in planning how to manage your mental health during pregnancy and consider any additional support you may need.

Managing medication during pregnancy

If you’re on medication, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. They will also explain how to handle your medication during pregnancy and after your baby is born.

In certain instances, your doctor might advise you to stop taking specific medications to ensure a safe pregnancy. If you choose to discontinue medication, or if your doctor recommends it, it’s crucial to do so safely, with your doctor’s support.

If I became unwell last time I was pregnant, will it happen again?

If you’ve had mental health issues around a previous pregnancy, there’s an increased risk of becoming unwell again, especially if you’ve experienced postpartum psychosis. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.

Having been unwell before, you might feel anxious about having another baby. Yet, you may also feel more confident in how to take care of yourself and be better at recognising any signs of becoming unwell.

If you are planning to get pregnant, or if you are already pregnant, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as you can. You can discuss ways to manage your mental health and the support you might need during this time.

Your doctor can also refer you to a perinatal psychiatrist, who is a specialist in supporting pregnant or women who have recently given birth, with mental health concerns.

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) provides a range of guides on postpartum psychosis, including advice on planning a pregnancy if you are at high risk of developing the condition.

Managing mental health problems with a new baby

If you’ve recently had a baby, discussing your feelings might seem challenging. You may feel:

• Pressured to appear happy and excited.
• As if you must handle everything perfectly.
• Concerned that you might be a bad parent.
• Worried about being judged by others for your feelings.
• That you ought to concentrate on your baby rather than yourself.
• Fearful that being open about your feelings could lead to someone taking your baby away.

Remember, having mental health issues is not your fault.

Will I hurt my baby?

If you find yourself having thoughts about harming your baby, it can be extremely distressing.

However, it’s important to remember that having these thoughts does not mean you will harm your baby. They can be indicators of perinatal depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

You might feel hesitant to share these feelings, but the more you talk about them, the sooner you can access support. This could involve speaking to a family member or friend, or to a healthcare professional such as your doctor or midwife.

Will my baby be taken away from me?

You might feel anxious about sharing your feelings, concerned that it could lead to your baby being taken from you. However, experiencing mental health issues and seeking support does not make you a poor parent, nor does it mean you can’t look after your baby.

It’s important to speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor as soon as you can. They are there to ensure you receive the support you need.

Your baby would only be taken into care under severe conditions, such as if social services deemed there was a risk of serious harm or neglect. Remember, healthcare professionals are there to support you, not to judge.