Parental Mental Health in Pregnancy and Beyond Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing and often joyful experience. But it's also completely normal for new parents to face emotional, physical, and social changes that can feel overwhelming at times. For some, these changes may contribute to temporary or ongoing mental health challenges. You're not alone: about 1 in 5 women- and 1 in 10 men - experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy or in the year after birth. These experiences vary widely. Some may face mild symptoms, while others may experience more serious conditions. But no matter the severity, it's important to know that support is available - and that recovery is possible. Becoming a new parent or carer is one of the biggest transitional changes any of us go through in our lives. We might think we are prepared and ready, but the reality is that nothing can really prepare you for the intense 24/7 experience of looking after a baby (or babies!). Alongside lack of sleep and fear of getting it wrong, many parents or carers who are supported by Home-Start also have additional challenges to deal with at this unique time. This might include being far away from friends and family, financial instability, recent bereavement, poor housing, physical health issues and relationship difficulties. Some parents may not have experienced the birth that they had envisaged, or their babies were born prematurely. All this can have an impact on wellbeing and mental health in the early days of parenting and reaching out for support is important for you and your child(ren). What is Perinatal Mental Health? The term perinatal refers to the time around and during birth. Mental health conditions during this period can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and - more rarely postnatal psychosis. These can occur for the first time or may be a recurrence of a previous issue. The good news is that perinatal mental health conditions are treatable. With the right support - whether through therapy, community services, medical care, self-care or peer groups - most parents recover fully and go on to build strong, nurturing relationships with their babies. Across the Home-Start network, every year, we support thousands of parents or carers with perinatal mental health challenges either through our one-to-one home visiting service or through groupwork and other specialised services. To make contact with your local Home-Start please use this map or discuss with your health visitor or midwife for them to make a referral for you. If you are struggling with your own mental health challenges then you are going to have less space and energy to bond with your baby and this is important too. Reaching out for support will not only give you the helping hand you require but it will also support your baby to have the best start in life. Why this matters... When a parent or carer is struggling with their mental health, it can impact how they feel about themselves, their baby, and the world around them. For some, this might mean feeling anxious, low in mood, or disconnected. For others, it may affect their ability to rest, bond, or manage daily routines. These are very common experiences and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s also important to remember that when mothers receive the care they need, it benefits the entire family - fathers, partners, and children included. You are not alone - you can feel better At Home-Start, we believe that no family should face these challenges without support. That’s why our network of local Home-Starts work in local communities to ensure better care for families experiencing perinatal mental health issues. We also have a specialist programme to specifically support dads in the perinatal periods, read more about our Dad Matters UK project. Understanding common Perinatal Mental Health conditions Baby Blues Most new mums (about 50%) experience the “baby blues” - a few days of feeling tearful or overwhelmed shortly after giving birth. This is temporary and usually eases within a week. Postnatal Depression (PND) PND is more serious than the baby blues and affects around 1 in 10 new mums. It can begin during pregnancy or develop weeks or months after the baby is born. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, low energy, trouble bonding with the baby, or feeling anxious or irritable. The important thing to know: PND is common, it’s not your fault, and it gets better with support. Talking therapies, medication, or peer support can make a big difference. It’s also important to remember that depression and anxiety can affect many women during pregnancy and not just after the birth of a child. Do speak to your midwife or GP about how you are feeling. Postpartum Psychosis This rare condition affects about 1 in 500 women. It can start suddenly, usually within the first two weeks after birth. Symptoms may include confusion, unusual thoughts, mood changes, or hallucinations. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency - but it is treatable, and most women make a full recovery with the right help. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, seek immediate support from a health professional or go to A&E. Anxiety and OCD Many new parents feel anxious. Some worry becomes more intense and may develop into anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where unwanted thoughts and behaviours can interfere with daily life. These conditions are treatable, and many parents find relief through therapy and support groups. Post-Traumatic Stress after birth While most births go smoothly, some can feel traumatic. This can lead to feelings of fear, panic, or flashbacks. If this sounds familiar, know that it’s valid - and that help is available to process these experiences and support your recovery. Eating Disorders Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be especially challenging for those with current or past eating disorders. If you're struggling with food, body image, or related concerns, you're not alone - and there is specialist support available to help you stay well during this time. Bipolar Disorder Women with bipolar disorder can have healthy pregnancies and recover well after birth, but they are at higher risk of relapse. With the right planning, support, and medical care, most women manage this successfully and thrive as parents. Who’s at risk? Perinatal mental health challenges can affect anyone - regardless of background or experience. However, some factors may increase vulnerability, such as: - A personal or family history of mental health conditions - A lack of support - Significant stress or trauma - Complicated pregnancy or birth experiences But having a risk factor does not mean you will become unwell. Many women with risk factors remain mentally well - especially with early support. The importance of early help and breaking the stigma Getting support early can make a big difference. If something doesn’t feel right emotionally, it’s okay to ask for help - just like you would for a physical health issue. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor can offer guidance and connect you to services like Home-Start or specialist mental health services. At Home-Start we believe that that bravest thing that you can do is ask for help and to reassure families that there is no stigma around reaching out for help. Click the banner below to check your symptoms on the Maternal Mental Health Alliance website. In crisis or need urgent support? If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, in despair or at risk of harm, you are not alone—and there is help. - Call your GP, midwife, or health visitor - Go to your local A&E - Call 999 in an emergency - Contact Samaritans at 116 123 (free and confidential, 24/7) - Welsh language line: 0808 164 0123 Support and Information Here are some trusted organisations, that alongside Home-Start, can help: Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI)PANDAS Foundation Action on Postpartum PsychosisBirth Trauma Association Maternal OCD OCD Action BEAT Eating Disorders Bipolar UK Related Home-Start tips for parents Manage Cookie Preferences