During your pregnancy

Support for mental health

Having a baby and becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing events we can experience. One in five women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. This may be a new mental health problem or another episode of a mental health problem you’ve experienced before.

Your midwife will carry out a detailed assessment of your mental and physical wellbeing at the beginning of your pregnancy (the booking appointment) and will make sure that the right specialists are involved in your care. You may be seen by an obstetrician who specialises in mental health through pregnancy and after the birth. Mental health specialist midwives are available in all maternity services in Kent & Medway to make sure you receive the right care at the right time.

See the Bump, Birth & Beyond website for Kent and Medway advice, support and details of the services that could help you.