Perinatal Mental Health Services in the UK

Perinatal mental health problems affect up to one in five women in pregnancy and the year after birth. Specialist services exist across the UK to help, yet many women are unsure what is available or how to be referred. This page explains the tiers of support, who they are for, and how to access them.

What perinatal mental health means

The perinatal period runs from conception to one year postpartum. Mental health problems in this window include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, tokophobia, and postpartum psychosis. Specialist perinatal mental health services are designed to treat these, recognising the unique risks and needs of pregnancy and new motherhood. If you are already under a mental health team when you become pregnant, tell them as soon as possible. They can liaise with your maternity team to ensure joined-up care and adjust any medication if needed.

Tiers of support

Mild to moderate problems may be managed through NHS talking therapies, including IAPT-equivalent services now integrated under NHS Talking Therapies. More complex needs are met by specialist community perinatal mental health teams, which include psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses. Mother and baby units provide inpatient care for severe illness, allowing admission with your baby. Maternal mental health services also support those with moderate needs in some areas. Partners can also experience perinatal mental health problems. Depression and anxiety in partners around the time of birth are increasingly recognised, and they too can access talking therapies through the NHS.

How to access help

Speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor. They can refer you directly. You can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies in most areas. If you are under a mental health team already, tell them you are pregnant so your care can be adjusted. Do not wait for crisis. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feel you are losing touch with reality, seek urgent help from your GP, 111, or A and E. If you are from a minority ethnic background, you may face additional barriers to accessing care, including stigma and lack of culturally sensitive services. Organisations like the Muslim Women Network and others can provide support and advocacy.

Rights and what to expect

You have the right to confidentiality, to be treated without judgement, and to have a care plan. If you need inpatient care, you should be admitted to a mother and baby unit where possible, not a general psychiatric ward. Partners can also experience mental health problems and should be offered signposting and support. The perinatal period is hard enough; you do not have to manage a mental health problem alone. Remember that mental health problems in pregnancy are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. The earlier you seek help, the better the outcomes for you and your baby. You deserve support, and it is available.

This page is for general information only and does not replace advice from your UK maternity or mental health team. If you are worried about your physical or mental health in pregnancy, contact your midwife, GP, or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.