More women have been urged to reach out for mental health support during and after their pregnancy. 

NHS teams are sharing the important message in the lead up to the Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, starting from May 1. 

One in five women develop a mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. 

Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership has a range of community support services available to women and their families during and after pregnancy to support their mental health.

This includes Bradford Doulas, Roshni Ghar, Family Action, NHS services and many more.

Abbie Wild, Programme Manager for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership Best 1001 Days Programme, said: “In the UK, suicide is a leading cause of maternal deaths within a year after childbirth. We know that Covid-19 increased the mental health risks for new and expectant mums and if left untreated, it can have a devasting impact on women and their families."

Family Action said 78 per cent of women who are generally mentally well, experience negative thoughts during the perinatal period.

It helps women who experience mild to moderate mental health issues during this time.

For further information about support services available in your area, visit www.healthyminds.services/content-article/about-maternal-mental-health