Mental Health Problems and Pregnancy
It is common for women to experience mental ill health for the first time in pregnancy. Women may feel more vulnerable and anxious, and some may develop depression.
If you have had mental health difficulties in the past, or have it now, you’re more likely to become ill during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth than at other times in your life. Severe mental ill health includes bipolar affective disorder, severe depression and psychosis.
Some women with a history of severe mental illness remain well during pregnancy – everyone is different, with triggers for becoming unwell. It’s useful to plan for all situations. You can read more about mental health and pregnancy here.
Whatever your situation, help is available. You can talk to your midwife or doctor – or self-refer here to the Talking Therapies York and Selby service and make a difference to your mental health and wellbeing during your pregnancy and into motherhood.