Mental health and the journey to parenthood

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch England wanted to speak to people about their mental health experiences before, during and after pregnancy. 1,738 people took part in the research.

We found:

  • People feel their mental health problems are triggered by a variety of issues
  • People don’t know where to turn for help
  • People feel scared about how people will respond if they speak up
  • Factors that made an experience more positive included good care from professionals, support being provided in a timely fashion and successful referrals to perinatal support.

The report contains nine recommendations.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch England
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Referrals

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Interviews
Survey
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Maternity care
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and specialist MH services

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
1738
Age group
18 to 24 years
25 to 49 years
Gender
Women
Men
Sexual orientation
Not known
Pregnancy/maternity
Given birth in the last 26 weeks
Types of disabilities
Mental health condition
Does this report feature carers?
Yes
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