During your pregnancy, you’ll usually see a small number of healthcare professionals, led by your midwife or doctor. But there are also other services available to support your emotional wellbeing and help you have a safe and positive experience.
It’s completely normal to have mixed or complicated feelings when you’re expecting a baby. You’re not alone, and support is available.

Pregnancy in Mind

Pregnancy in Mind offers free group support to help you look after your mental health during pregnancy.

• Groups usually meet once a week for 8 weeks
• Sessions are open to either parent
• You can attend on your own or bring a support person
• Groups are available both in person and online

What you’ll learn:

• Simple ways to cope with difficult feelings
• How to better understand your mental health
• Mindfulness techniques to improve your mood
• Ways to connect with your baby

Each week, you’ll also have a short one-to-one chat with a practitioner to check in on how you’re feeling and raise any concerns. You’ll be given helpful resources to use at home.

After your baby is born, you’ll have the chance to reconnect with your group practitioner for extra support.

Pregnancy in Min can help you manage difficult feelings and feel more in control.

How to sign up

• Speak to your midwife
• Telephone: 028 2044 1650
• Email: nihubadmin@nspcc.org.uk (include “Pregnancy in Mind”)
• Web: Pregnancy in Mind

Healthcare professionals can also refer you.

Find out what to expect from Pregnancy in Mind, including how the sessions run and how they can support your mental health during pregnancy. Watch the video below.

Perinatal mental health

Perinatal mental health problems can happen during pregnancy or within the first year after your baby is born.

These can include:

• Depression or anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Postpartum psychosis

Depression and anxiety are the most common. Around 1 in 5 women and up to 1 in 10 partners experience mental health difficulties at this time.

The good news is that these conditions are treatable, especially when support is accessed early.

If left untreated, they can affect not only you, but also your baby and family. That’s why it’s important to speak up and get help.

Talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP if you need support.

If you are in crisis, go to your nearest emergency department or call 999.

Read more on the Parent-Infant Foundation website.

Perinatal positivity

This short video shares simple ways to look after your emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Simple ways to manage stress

Slow deep breathing techniques

Slow, deep breathing can help calm your mind and body.

• Breathe in slowly through your nose (like smelling a flower)
• Breathe out gently through your mouth (like softly blowing a candle without putting it out)

Watch the videos below to learn simple breathing techniques that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Medication during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding

If you take medication, it’s important to understand your options.

• Speak to your healthcare professional before making any changes
• Choice and Medication leaflets can help you make informed decisions

Support for fathers and partners

Support is available for partners too. You may find these helpful:

Fatherhood Institute
NHS guidance for fathers and partners
Becoming a dad – A guide for new fathers (Mental Health Foundation)
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Aware NI – Mood Matters Parent and Baby
Tommy’s – support for dads and partners

Other helpful resources

Tommy’s – Pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Rethink – Recovery and Mental Illness
Family Support NI
Aware NI
Lifeline (NI)
Community Wellbeing NI
The Parent Rooms

You can also learn more about local perinatal community mental health services by speaking to your care team.