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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.

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.

Fathers and partners

As evidence continues to emerge about the negative impact of fathers and partners exclusion from maternity services since the start of the pandemic, we as a Trust want to offer our support and encouragement to expectant parents, to help guide them on their journey into parenthood.

Sources of help for fathers – Fatherhood Institute
NHS information for expectant fathers and partners
Becoming Dad – Mental Health Foundation
Best Beginnings – Baby Buddy App
National Childbirth Trust – Life as a parent
Aware – Mood Matters Parent and Baby
Aware – Guide to looking after the mental health of you and your baby
Dads and partners | Tommy’s (tommys.org)
Health Alliance NI – Dad’s Voice (Mental Health support for dads)

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.