FREE shipping on orders over £40
10% off your first order with code: welcome10
Maternal Mental Health in the UK: What’s Working, What’s Not, and How We Can Do Better

Maternal Mental Health in the UK: What’s Working, What’s Not, and How We Can Do Better

by Laura Cartwright in The femme Journal

Maternal Mental Health in the UK: Where Are We Now?

Maternal mental health affects 1 in 5 women in the UK during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. From anxiety and depression to postnatal psychosis, the spectrum of maternal mental health conditions is broad and often misunderstood. Despite progress in awareness and service provision, too many women are still slipping through the cracks.

As we mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s crucial to look at what’s working, what’s still not good enough, and how we can improve care for mums across the UK.

 

What’s Working: A Positive Shift in Maternal Mental Health Support

1. Increased Awareness and De-stigmatisation
Over the last decade, there’s been a noticeable shift in how maternal mental health is discussed. High-profile campaigns, media coverage, and honest stories from mums and celebrities alike have helped reduce stigma and normalise conversations around postnatal depression and anxiety.

2. Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services
NHS England has expanded access to specialist perinatal mental health services, with more than 30,000 women receiving care in 2023 – a significant improvement compared to previous years. These services offer targeted support from midwives, mental health nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists trained specifically in perinatal care.

3. Better Training for Health Visitors and Midwives
More frontline healthcare workers are receiving training to spot early signs of maternal mental health issues. This proactive approach is helping with early identification and faster referrals, which can significantly improve outcomes.

 

What’s Not Working: Gaps That Still Need to Be Closed

1. Postcode Lottery of Services
While some areas in the UK have access to comprehensive maternal mental health support, others lag far behind. Women living in rural or deprived areas often face long waiting times or complete lack of access to specialist services.

2. Inconsistent Postnatal Checks
The standard 6-week postnatal check is hit-and-miss, with many women reporting that mental health is barely discussed – if at all. These checks are often rushed or skipped altogether due to overstretched GP practices.

3. Lack of Cultural Competency
Black, Asian, and minority ethnic women are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes during and after pregnancy, yet are less likely to receive adequate care. Language barriers, cultural stigma, and systemic racism within healthcare structures are significant contributors.

4. Inadequate Support for Partners and Families
Maternal mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Partners often feel unsupported, and whole-family wellbeing is rarely considered in treatment plans, despite its importance in recovery and long-term mental health.

 

How We Can Improve Maternal Mental Health Care in the UK

1. Make Access to Support Universal
Every woman in the UK should have access to high-quality perinatal mental health services, regardless of postcode. Funding must be allocated to ensure national parity, especially in underserved areas.

2. Prioritise Postnatal Mental Health Checks
The 6-week check should be mandatory, comprehensive, and mental-health-focused. It must go beyond “are you coping?” and include structured screening tools like the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale).

3. Build Culturally Competent Services
More diverse hiring, mandatory cultural competency training, and language-specific resources can help close the gap in outcomes for ethnic minority women. Services must also engage with communities to co-create care that actually works.

4. Offer Support for Partners
Extending perinatal mental health support to partners can benefit the whole family. This includes screening for paternal depression, access to counselling, and more inclusive antenatal education.

5. Invest in Peer Support and Community-Based Solutions
Peer-led support groups, community hubs, and digital tools can provide low-barrier, ongoing support that complements clinical services. Charities like PANDAS, Mothers for Mothers, and Birth Trauma Association are leading the way.

 

Final Thoughts

Maternal mental health in the UK has come a long way – but we’re not there yet. Real change means moving from reactive to proactive care, closing the postcode lottery, and putting maternal mental health on par with physical health during pregnancy and beyond. By listening to women, funding services properly, and addressing systemic inequalities, we can build a system that truly supports mothers when they need it most.

Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Understanding Pre-Eclampsia: What You Need to Know

Understanding Pre-Eclampsia: What You Need to Know

  Pregnancy comes with plenty of questions, and sometimes a few worries too. One condition you might hear mentioned during antenatal appointments is pre-eclampsia. It sounds serious — and it can be — but with the right information and good care, it’s manageable. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Pre-Eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It’s linked to problems with the placenta — the organ that supplies your baby with nutrients and oxygen. The main signs are high blood pressure and protein in your urine, though other symptoms can also occur. Pre-eclampsia affects around 6% of pregnancies in the UK and ranges from mild to severe. Most women will have mild cases, and with regular monitoring, both mum and baby do well. In more serious cases, pre-eclampsia can pose risks to your health and your baby’s development, so early detection and care are really important. What Should You Look Out For? Pre-eclampsia doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages — which is why routine blood pressure and urine checks at antenatal appointments are so important. But there are signs to be aware of. Let your midwife or GP know if you experience any of the following: Persistent headaches that don’t go away with paracetamol Blurred vision or seeing flashing lights Swelling, especially in your face, hands or around your eyes (a bit of swelling is normal in pregnancy, but sudden or severe swelling should be checked) Pain just below the ribs, particularly on the right side Sudden weight gain (caused by fluid retention) Feeling generally unwell, or more tired than usual Remember — you’re never wasting anyone’s time by raising concerns. What Can You Expect From Your Midwife or GP? In the UK, you should have regular checks during pregnancy to monitor for pre-eclampsia. This includes: Blood pressure checks at every appointment Urine tests to look for protein Blood tests if there are concerns If pre-eclampsia is suspected, you’ll likely be referred for further assessment at hospital. This doesn’t necessarily mean an emergency — it’s just about monitoring things more closely. Depending on the severity, you might need: More frequent appointments or scans Medication to lower your blood pressure Admission to hospital for monitoring in more serious cases Early delivery if your health or your baby’s health is at risk Most women with pre-eclampsia go on to deliver healthy babies, often with a bit of extra support and planning. What Causes It? The exact cause of pre-eclampsia isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to relate to how the placenta develops. Some factors that increase your risk include: First pregnancy Family history of pre-eclampsia Having high blood pressure or kidney problems before pregnancy Being over 40 Having a BMI of over 35 Carrying twins or more If you’re at higher risk, your midwife might recommend taking low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy to help reduce your chances of developing the condition. A Final Reassurance Pre-eclampsia can sound daunting, but the key message is this: you’re not expected to spot or manage it alone. That’s why regular antenatal care is so important — your midwife is there to check for signs and act early if anything seems off. Trust your instincts, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. You deserve to be listened to and supported — and the earlier a concern is picked up, the better the outcome for you and your baby. References NHS. Pre-eclampsia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia Tommy’s. What is pre-eclampsia? Available at: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pre-eclampsia  NICE. Hypertension in pregnancy: diagnosis and management (NG133). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng133

Learn more
Male Infertility: Why We Need to Talk About It

Male Infertility: Why We Need to Talk About It

When we talk about fertility, the focus is almost always on women; their age, their cycles, their eggs. But here’s the thing: in up to 50% of infertility cases, male factor infertility is involved. It’s not just a "women’s issue". It’s a people issue; and yet, we don’t talk about it enough. At femme health, we’re all about open, honest conversations about reproductive health — and that includes shining a light on the silent struggles men are facing too. So let’s get into it: what is male infertility, why is there so little awareness, and how are toxic masculinity and social pressures keeping men in the dark? So... What Actually Is Male Infertility? Male infertility is when a man has a reduced chance of getting a partner pregnant. It’s often linked to problems with sperm — whether that’s low sperm count, poor motility (movement), shape (morphology), or issues with how sperm are produced or delivered. It can also be caused by things like: Hormonal imbalances Infections or past injuries Varicocele (enlarged veins in the testicles) Lifestyle factors — think smoking, alcohol, high stress, poor diet, or even heat exposure from things like saunas or laptops on laps Here’s the bit most people don’t know: global sperm counts have dropped by more than 50% in the last 40 years. Yet somehow, conversations about fertility rarely include men. The Awareness Gap: Why Aren’t We Talking About This? There’s still a widespread belief — even among healthcare professionals — that fertility is mostly a “women’s problem”. This means men are often tested later (if at all), get fewer resources, and feel like they’re not even in the fertility conversation. This lack of awareness leads to: Delayed diagnosis and treatment Frustration and confusion Mental health struggles that go unnoticed Couples blaming themselves or each other In short? It’s not good for anyone. The Toxic Masculinity Factor Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: toxic masculinity. That outdated idea that men have to be stoic, strong, hypersexual, and basically emotionless. Male fertility issues often get tied up with feelings of shame, emasculation, or “not being man enough.” And because fertility is so wrapped up in ideas of virility and strength, men can feel like talking about it threatens their identity. We hear phrases like: “Shooting blanks” “He’s not a real man” “Just keep trying” None of that helps. In fact, it makes things worse — pushing men into silence and stopping them from getting the help they need. The Pressure to Be Fine Even when men do know there’s a problem, many feel they’re not “allowed” to talk about it. They’re expected to be the calm, supportive partner while their own emotions take a backseat. There’s pressure to: Stay strong Not cry “Fix it” without asking for help Keep everything bottled up This emotional suppression isn’t just unhealthy — it’s unsustainable. Fertility struggles can affect confidence, relationships, and mental health. And when men feel like they can’t speak up, they suffer alone. So What Can We Do About It? We need to change the narrative. Male infertility isn’t a rare, embarrassing anomaly — it’s a common medical issue, and one that deserves just as much attention, empathy, and support as female infertility. Here’s how we move forward: Start the conversation — openly, and without judgment Include men in fertility education from the beginning Challenge harmful language and stereotypes Offer mental health support tailored for men Encourage testing early, not as a last resort And most of all, we need to remind people that fertility struggles are not a personal failure — they’re a health issue. Final Thoughts Male infertility is real. It’s common. And it deserves to be taken seriously. The sooner we can ditch the shame and start talking about it, the better off everyone will be — men, women, partners, and future families included. At femme health, we believe in breaking taboos, busting myths, and creating space for all reproductive health conversations — and that includes the ones we haven’t been having enough of. Let’s keep talking. 

Learn more
How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Mental Health

How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Mental Health

Introduction Your menstrual cycle doesn’t just affect your body – it plays a major role in your mental health, too. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the month can lead to shifts in mood, energy levels, anxiety, and focus. Understanding the link between your menstrual cycle and mental health can help you feel more in control, supported, and empowered. 1. The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Changes Your menstrual cycle is divided into four key phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase brings changes in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which directly influence brain chemistry. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Hormones are at their lowest, which can lead to fatigue, low mood, and irritability. Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Rising oestrogen can boost mood, energy, and cognitive function. Ovulation (Around Day 14): A surge in oestrogen and luteinising hormone may increase confidence and libido. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Rising progesterone and declining oestrogen can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 2. Mental Health Symptoms by Cycle Phase Mood Swings: Especially common in the luteal phase due to hormone withdrawal. Anxiety: Fluctuating progesterone levels may heighten anxiety sensitivity. Depression: Low oestrogen levels during menstruation can lower serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Brain Fog: Hormonal changes can impair focus and mental clarity, particularly during PMS. 3. What is PMDD? Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects 3–8% of menstruating individuals. It includes intense emotional and physical symptoms such as depression, irritability, and tension during the luteal phase. If your cycle is consistently impacting your mental health, speak to a healthcare provider about PMDD or other hormonal mood disorders. 4. How to Support Your Mental Health Through Your Cycle Track Your Cycle: Use an app or journal to monitor symptoms and identify patterns. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Support hormone balance with foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s. Exercise Regularly: Gentle movement like walking or yoga can boost endorphins and reduce anxiety. Prioritise Sleep: Rest is crucial for hormonal regulation and emotional resilience. Consider Supplements: Adaptogens and nootropics, like magnesium or lion’s mane, may help support mood and cognitive function. Always consult a health professional before starting anything new. Conclusion Your mental health and menstrual cycle are deeply connected. By tuning into your body and recognising how hormonal shifts affect your mind, you can create a more compassionate and informed approach to self-care. Remember: what you feel is real, and support is available.  

Learn more
femme health

Tempdrop

Buy Tempdrop at femme health.

 Shop Online
Home Search Cart Products About