Mental health and well-being
Having a baby is a big life event, emotional highs and lows are natural and normal when you’re pregnant. It is common for people to experience mental health problems during pregnancy and/or after the birth of a baby.
It is important to talk to your midwife, GP or health visitor about how you feel so that you can get help and support as soon as possible.
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal includes pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period up until your baby reaches 1 year.
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 or 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 you are not a good enough parent
Worrying thoughts about your baby
Relationship and social stress such as housing, financial or relationship issues
Anxiety or fear about labour or struggling to come to terms with a difficult birth
Support for your mental health
All pregnant people have physical checks at antenatal appointments. You will also be asked about your emotional wellbeing at routine antenatal appointments. Please tell your midwife or obstetrician if you have current or previous mental health issues, or if your mental health is declining.
If you need extra support, you may be offered further appointments or care from a specialist mental health service.
We we have a number of services that are ready to support you.
Mental Wellbeing Antenatal Clinics
We have several obstetric consultants that have a special interest in perinatal mental health. We may offer you a referral to their clinic called ‘The Mental Wellbeing clinic’. Your Midwife can refer you to this clinic at any point in your pregnancy.
Specialist Mental Health Midwives
We can refer you to a specialist mental health midwife who can help to assess your needs and signpost you to appropriate services.
GP/111
You can also contact your GP or 111 and press option 2 for mental health.
Who to call in a mental health crisis
Please contact NHS 111 and select option 2 or attend A&E
For life threatening emergencies please contact 999.
Mental Health Matters Helpline
Support for anyone experiencing anxiety, suicidal thoughts, financial concerns or relationship issues. 24hr service
Text the word Kent to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support at any time.
Samaritans
Call 116 123 (24 hours a day) or visit www.samaritans.org