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Listening to Women: A Wake-Up Call on Maternal Mental Health (for World Maternal Mental Health Day)

Too often, conversations around childbirth focus solely on the baby , forgetting the mother. But maternal mental health matters, and it’s time we listened more closely.


Each year, World Maternal Mental Health Day, observed on the first Wednesday in May, serves as an important reminder to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by mothers during pregnancy and in the period following childbirth. Alongside Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (5th-11th May 2025), it seeks to reduce stigma, advocate for better support, and foster a deeper understanding of perinatal mental health.



What is Maternal Mental Health?


The terms "perinatal mental health" and "maternal mental health" are often used interchangeably, both referring to the mental health of mothers during pregnancy and up to two years after childbirth. The word "perinatal" is derived from the Latin “peri”, meaning “around” and “natal” meaning “birth”. While many are familiar with postnatal depression (PND) - a mood disorder that can develop after childbirth, marked by persistent sadness, exhaustion, loss of interest, guilt, or difficulty bonding with the baby - it is important to recognise that depression can also occur during pregnancy. 


Other perinatal mental health conditions include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. These conditions vary in severity and can worsen if specialised treatment is not provided. In some cases, pre-existing mental health issues may intensify during the perinatal period.



A Hidden Crisis 


It is estimated that up to 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or within a year after giving birth. The range is wide: low mood, anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and even psychosis. Yet, many of these conditions go undiagnosed, unsupported, or mismanaged.


A landmark report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Maternal Mental Health - Women’s Voices, compiled responses from over 2,300 women. Among those surveyed: 


  • More than 80%  had experienced a maternal mental health issue.

  • Only 7% were referred to specialist care. 

  • Over half received no follow-up or support at all.



When Care Doesn’t Care Enough 


The majority of women were asked at some point about their mental wellbeing - but not consistently, and often not with the right questions or enough time. One of the most common experiences was feeling ‘brushed off’ -  told they were just “tired” or that what they were going through was “normal.” Others were never even asked.


Healthcare professionals often lacked training in recognising symptoms beyond postnatal depression, particularly of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or trauma-related symptoms. One woman described that it was like “riding a roller coaster blindfolded,” trying to hold everything together while internally unravelling.



Confusing Advice on Medication


Among women with pre-existing mental health conditions, there was a major inconsistency in how their care was managed. Some were told to abruptly stop their medication without discussion; others received conflicting advice from GPs, midwives, and psychiatrists. The lack of clear, consistent guidance put both women and their babies at risk, pointing to the need for unified, evidence-based guidance across services.



Partners Are Left Behind


Mental health challenges don’t just affect the mother. 1 in 8 women reported that their partner also struggled with their own mental health during, or after, the pregnancy. Yet, support for partners is almost non-existent. Several women said their partners had breakdowns but were denied support because "it wasn't serious enough" or because services were designed only for the mother.



A Patchwork of Services 


Where a woman lives in the UK can drastically shape the care she receives. The RCOG report showed massive regional variation in access to specialist services. In some areas, 35% of women were referred for support. In others, only 15%. Some women waited over a year for support - far beyond the NHS’s own targets.


"Same woman, same needs - just a different postcode."

One mother waited four months for help in her first pregnancy. In her second, she was seen in two weeks. Same woman, same needs - just a different postcode.



Breastfeeding Pressure and Mental Health


Breastfeeding was another source of pain for many. Women felt shamed for not breastfeeding, overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, and unsupported when it became difficult. The emotional toll of struggling to breastfeed while battling anxiety or depression cannot be overstated.



The Power of Women’s Voices 


In the final open-ended question, over 1,100 women poured their hearts out about what they believe is missing in the system. A few key themes emerged:


  • A need for genuine conversations, not tick-box assessments.

  • More information on symptoms beyond depression, especially anxiety and trauma.

  • Better continuity of care to build trust with professionals.

  • Greater understanding that not all mental health struggles start at birth - many begin during pregnancy or even after the 6-week postnatal check-up. 


One woman wrote:

“If I hadn’t been proactive, knowledgeable and comfortable discussing it, I would not have received the same assistance.”

That shouldn’t be the standard. Every woman deserves support, not just the ones who know how to ask.



So, What Needs to Change?


The report ended with clear and urgent recommendations:


  • All women should have access to specialist perinatal mental health services, regardless of where they live.

  • Referrals should happen quickly (within 2 weeks) and treatment should begin within a month.

  • Partners should be recognised as part of the mental health picture.

  • Training for healthcare professionals needs to include a deeper understanding of perinatal mental health, including how to speak about it openly and without stigma.

  • Bereavement support after miscarriage or stillbirth must be standard, and care should continue into future pregnancies.



How You Can Make a Difference


This isn’t just about statistics - it’s about real women struggling, some in silence. It’s about children growing up with mothers who needed help but never received it. On Maternal Mental Health Day, and every day, we can help by: 


  • Listening without judgment: Sometimes, the most powerful support is a listening ear.

  • Asking how she's really doing: Go beyond “How’s the baby?” and check in with the mother.

  • Knowing the resources: Familiarise yourself with local and online mental health support services.

  • Sharing stories: If you’ve experienced maternal mental health issues, sharing your journey can help another mum feel seen.



There is Hope


In the last five years, more women are being asked about their mental health, funding for mother and baby units is expanding, and most importantly, women are speaking up. 

No mother should ever feel alone.


References


This article was written by Neave Smith and edited by Rebecca Pope, with cover photo graphics produced by Suzana Sultan and in-text graphics produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. If you enjoyed this article, be the first to be notified about new posts by signing up to become a WiNUK member (top right of this page)! Interested in writing for WiNUK yourself? Contact us through the blog page and the editors will be in touch.


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