Pregnancy can be an emotional time. If you already suffer from a mood disorder, or mental health condition, you may be worried about the effects the pregnancy may have. Some women who have never experienced mood disorders before may find the changes that occur during pregnancy can have an effect on their mental health.
Your midwife and GP are here to support you in any way they can during your pregnancy, so it is important to let them know of any concerns you may have and they can refer you to our specialist perinatal mental health services.
Perinatal Mental Health Service
The perinatal mental health service provides care through assessment and treatment for women who are aged 18 and above, who have or are at risk of developing a moderate to severe mental illness during the perinatal period this spans from preconception until the first postnatal year.
The team offers a range of treatments and interventions directed at early intervention, preventing, minimising and managing perinatal mental illness, while supporting the mother in her role as primary carer of her baby.
Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Intervention service
The Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Intervention Service (MNPI) provide psychological support for parents (age 18 and above) who experience mild-moderate psychological distress related to their maternity or birthing experience. We offer support for both women and their partners from the second trimester onwards, until your baby turns one year old.
Examples of reasons to be referred to MNPI:
- Anxiety or distress related to the pregnancy or medical procedures (such as having blood taken, or having examinations)
- Fear of giving birth
- Birth Trauma symptoms
- Coping with complications during pregnancy
- Loss of your baby
- Support during or after your stay in NICU
Useful Links & Apps
- Baby Buddy: Baby Buddy app is the multi –award winning app for parents and parents to be from child health and wellbeing. It was developed by professionals and parents. It is educational with videos and personalised for your own use.
- Sleepio app is a free 6week course to help improve insomnia.
- Daylight is a free app to help manage anxiety.
- DadPad app is an essential guide for new dads.
- Maternity Mental Health Alliance
- SIGN Perinatal Toolkit
Helpful Resources
- Living Life to the Full: CBT Life Skills Online course
- Maternal Mental Health Scotland – This website was developed and maintained by professionals working in the field of perinatal mental health and women with lived experience.
- NHS inform – your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy.
- NHS 24 Living Life: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) telephone service
- Fathers Network Scotland – building a father-friendly world
- Dads Rock
- Home – PnD – Postnatal Depression Support – PANDAS Foundation UK
- About Perinatal OCD – Welcome to Maternal OCD