Pre-existing mental illness and pregnancy can be a challenging combination to experience.
At your booking appointment, your community midwife will ask you about your current mental health and any previous history of mental health conditions. This includes medication and treatment prescribed currently or previously. They will ask you this because some mental health conditions can have an increased chance of recurring after having a baby.
The information will be used to give you access to any needed support. Some women and birthing people with existing mental health conditions will require a referral to the specialist perinatal mental health service. Please speak to your health professional for further information.
It is normal to have mood changes during pregnancy and following the birth. Many parents worry about talking about their mental health; please speak to your midwife if you are worried or notice any changes.
During your appointments, you will be asked specific questions about how you are feeling. These will include the following:
Over the last month, how often have you been bothered by:
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems:
You will also be asked about any family history of mental health conditions and your partner’s mental health history, if applicable.
Midwives will ask:
Midwives will ask about your emotional wellbeing and mental health through pregnancy and after having your baby. You must be open and honest so we can offer the support you need. Your emotional wellbeing and mental health are as crucial as your physical health; if someone asks how you are feeling, please remember they are asking about both elements.
Many women may already take medication for their mental health when they become pregnant.
Regarding the safest antidepressant in pregnancy (NHS), there are many options considered safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
You must continue your medication until you have spoken to your midwife or GP. Please do not automatically stop taking it. There are specialists who can provide more detailed information if needed.
You will be given a booklet at your booking appointment which talks about emotional changes during pregnancy. This gives a wealth of valuable information.
Emotional Changes Booklet (English)
Emotional Changes Booklet (Polish)
Emotional Changes Booklet (Romanian)
If you are feeling low, stressed or anxious during pregnancy or after birth, NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained NHS staff.
You can register for the service by calling 0300 999 1616 (9 to 5 weekdays) or completing the online registration forms available at Northamptonshire NHS Talking Therapies | NHFT.
NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies provides an initial telephone assessment and can offer a range of evidence-based talking therapies by:
This could be on a one-to-one basis or as part of a group. You can also sign up for an online programme and webinars, working at your pace in your home. Parents will be prioritised during pregnancy and up to 12 months after, so please mention that you are pregnant or have had a baby.
NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies support options include online tools usable whenever and wherever works best for you. They can help with common mental health problems, including:
Talking therapies can help you to understand and manage your problems. Therapists can guide you through this process. NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies also have Peer Supporters who can work alongside our therapists to offer you additional support.
Please note: Northamptonshire NHS Talking Therapies is not an emergency service. If you require urgent or out-of-hours mental health support please call The Mental Health Number (integrated mental health response hub) at 0800 448 0828 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Sometimes, women require additional support beyond services such as NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies and support from Midwifery and their GP.
For those with a history of, currently experiencing or at an increased chance of experiencing moderate to severe mental health conditions, a Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service referral may be necessary.