25/11/2025
Some women might ‘breeze through’ pregnancy and postpartum, but others may find it much more difficult. Changes in the body, sickness, concerns about baby’s health, or other sources of stress due to previous baby losses or traumatic births, can trigger some upsetting thoughts and feelings related to these experiences. Additional stresses, such as housing difficulties, financial problems, a lack of a support network, and so on can also impact on a person’s mental health. Mental health difficulties during the perinatal period are common; around 25% of women struggle with their emotions or mental health in pregnancy or postnatally. Mental health is just as important as physical health; both should be equally considered and supported.
Remember that:
👩🏼⚕️A range of help and support is available, including talking therapy and medications
🤕Depression is an illness like any other
💜It’s not your fault if you’re depressed – it can happen to anyone
🤰🏿Being depressed does not mean you’re a bad parent
🫂Your baby will not be taken away from you – babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances
If you are concerned that you or a loved one have signs or symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety then please speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP. Also, local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and advice (links in bio).
