May 2nd to 8th is Maternal Mental Health Week

A short note from Dr. Shoba Subramanian on Maternal Mental Health Week: 

Today marks the beginning of Maternal Mental Health Week, a campaign driving awareness of mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. Organised by Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK, the goal is to raise awareness of perinatal mental health problems by helping families access the care and support they need.¹ The effort also seeks to advocate for women impacted by changing attitudes and spreading information on maternal mental health issues.²

Historically, there has not always been adequate care that connects physical and mental services to support women during pregnancy and in the weeks and months after delivery.³ It’s no surprise that the absence of specialist perinatal mental health services can lead to mental health issues, including mood swings, anxiety and perinatal depression – a condition that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth.⁴

With perinatal mental health problems affecting up to 20% of women during the first year after having a baby, the theme for this year’s Maternal Mental Health Week is: “The Power of Connection”.⁵  Instead of facing these challenges alone, UnitedHealthcare Global provides access to many counselling services, including for employees on maternity leave.

Accessing support from a trained professional is vital for every mother who might be struggling with their mental health.

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Resources: 

1: https://perinatalmhpartnership.com/
2: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/news/maternal-mental-health-awareness-week-2022/
3: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/better-mental-health-jsna-toolkit/4-perinatal-mental-health
4: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/postnatal-and-antenatal-depression/