The four organisations that published the research have designed a new wellbeing plan to help women and healthcare professionals address emotional health before and after birth.
Triggers of depression were described as isolation by half of the survey's respondents, the pressure to ‘do things right’ by 22 per cent and a lack of practical and emotional support by 21 per cent. Only 12 per cent felt that their mental health had been impacted by their hormones.
Symptoms were described as reluctance to leave the house by 42 per cent of respondents, while one in five had suicidal thoughts. A third said they had felt depressed for more than 18 months.
However, three in four respondents felt unable to fully tell a health professional, with 31 per cent put off because of concerns about a lack of continuity of care.
These fears were echoed by the 2,000 health professionals also surveyed as part of the research. Less than half of the community midwives and health visitors polled said that they saw the same woman throughout her care.
Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy’s, said, ‘Pregnancy and motherhood are life-changing experiences and on top of the physical changes and new responsibilities, many women are scared of doing the "wrong" thing or fear they will "fail" as a mum. Everyone expects pregnancy to be a happy time, which makes it even harder for women to open up when they’re feeling under pressure, anxious or depressed.
‘Mental health problems in pregnancy can have consequences for both mother and baby and we need to create both a society and a health care system where women can be open about their feelings and get the support and treatment they need.’
Chris Currer of the Boots Family Trust, which funded the research, added that he hoped the study and wellbeing plan would constitute ‘a step towards creating a comprehensive network of professional tools, public policy and general awareness that will help give mums much needed support.’
