Having a baby is a huge life event, a time of change it can be fulfilling, exciting but also a time of uncertainty.
It is normal to feel many different emotions during the transition to parenthood, it can be helpful to have an understanding of mental health and emotional wellbeing during this time to help you access support if ever needed.
Mental health problems can affect as many as one in five women during pregnancy and in the year after the birth of a baby, this is known as perinatal mental health. Partners can also suffer with mental health problems at this time.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health or emotional wellbeing please speak to your midwife who will be able to assess and signpost you to services that will be right for you.
Useful links
- Perinatal and postnatal mental health Mind
- About postpartum psychosis Action on Postpartum Psychosis
- Pregnancy and mental health problems NHS
- Dad’s PAD App for Dads