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Supporting your mental health during pregnancy

During your pregnancy, you normally see a small number of healthcare professionals, led by your midwife or doctor. However, we have other healthcare professionals and services to support you and ensure you have a safe and satisfying birth experience.

Expecting a baby can cause complicated feelings. Pregnancy in Mind can help.

Pregnancy in Mind

Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) provides free group support.

PiM typically meets once a week for eight weeks.

Sessions are for either parent. You can come on your own or bring a support person.

Some PiM groups meet face to face while others meet online.

Topics explored:

Coping strategies
How to understand your mental health
Mindfulness and ways to boost your mood
Connecting with your baby

Each week, there’s a one-to-one chat about your wellbeing. You’ll be able to highlight any concerns you have. Following each session, resources will be shared so that you can use them in your own time.

Once your baby has arrived, there will be an opportunity for you to meet with the practitioner who runs your group, to chat and check in on your wellbeing.

You can manage difficult feelings you’re experiencing with support from Pregnancy in Mind.

Sign up for PiM

To sign up for PiM, speak to your midwife or email ‘Pregnancy in Mind’ to nihubadmin@nspcc.org.uk, or call 028 2044 1650. Professionals can also refer.

The below video explains more.

Perinatal mental health

Perinatal mental health problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of your baby. Perinatal mental health is an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions such as antenatal/postnatal Depression or Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Postpartum Psychosis.

Depression and anxiety are the most common disorders, and approximately 10-20% of women and up to 10% of fathers or partners, will experience a perinatal mental health problem. It’s important to remember that these conditions are very treatable and it’s important to seek help early.

Without appropriate treatment, the negative impact of mental health problems during the perinatal period is enormous and can have long-lasting consequences on not only women, but their partners and children as well. Read more at: Parent-Infant Foundation.

Please speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP for advice or referral to specialist services.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please attend one of our emergency departments or call 999 for emergency care.

Perinatal Positivity

Slow deep breathing techniques

Slow deep breathing techniques are an excellent way to release your stress and anxieties
slow breathing techniques

Breathe in slowly like you are smelling a flower and then slowly release your breath through pursed lips like you are gently moving a candle flame without blowing it out.

Mindful Breathing clips

Medication during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding

Choice and Medication^©leaflets are available to help service users understand their medicines better, and to make more informed decisions. You should always discuss your medications with the healthcare professional.