Why Maternal Mental Health Needs Urgent Action

Karen Middleton

Head of Campaigns and Policy, Maternal Mental Health Alliance

Despite its prevalence and devastating human and economic consequences, mental health still does not receive anywhere near the same level of attention or investment as physical health during and after pregnancy.

“It’s incumbent on all of us to keep building a society where everyone understands the mental health challenges in the perinatal period, including the suicide risk in the most serious cases.” Laura Kyrke-Smith MP, speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on maternal mental health on Wednesday 5^th February

The Scale of the Issue

Mental ill-health is the most common complication of pregnancy in the UK, with at least one in five women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the early years after birth (the perinatal period). Despite this, stigma remains a significant concern, with up to 70% of women hiding or downplaying their symptoms.

The consequences of untreated perinatal mental illness are severe. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death between six weeks and one year after birth. Beyond the human suffering, the financial cost is staggering., costing the UK economy approximately £8.1 billion annually, with nearly three-quarters of this cost linked to adverse effects on the child rather than the mother.

Uneven Progress

While progress has been made in addressing some challenges, significant gaps in care remain, particularly for marginalised groups. Trauma, stigma, discrimination, and isolation disproportionately affect Black, Asian, and minority ethnic women, young mothers, and those experiencing domestic abuse, poverty, or severe disadvantages. Postnatal depression and anxiety are estimated to be 13% higher in Black and brown mothers compared to white mothers. Young mothers are also at heightened risk, with postnatal depression being twice as prevalent among teenage mothers and teenage maternal suicide rates on the rise.

But there is potential for hope. With the right support, women can and do recover. The perinatal period presents an ideal opportunity for prevention and intervention. Investing in comprehensive maternal mental health care can create lasting positive change for women and help give babies the best start in life. 

The Current Landscape

The past decade has seen some significant steps forward. National focus, political commitment, and investment – particularly through NHS England’s Long-Term Plan – have led to increased awareness and the establishment of much-needed new services.

Specialist perinatal mental health teams now exist in most areas of the UK, providing care for women with the most severe and complex conditions. These multi-disciplinary teams operate in both community settings and inpatient mother and baby units, ensuring that mothers can receive treatment without being separated from their child. Expert staff in these settings play a vital role in supporting the mother-infant bond while delivering essential mental health care.

In addition, new maternal mental health services have been introduced in England to support women experiencing baby loss, severe fear of childbirth, birth trauma, and loss of custody at or close to birth. These services represent a welcome step forward. However, a recent report from the MMHA highlights significant gaps and inconsistencies in provision.

The MMHA found considerable variation in the level of support available across the country. Issues include confusing referral pathways, inequitable referral criteria, and lengthy waiting lists. In some areas, women are waiting six months for an assessment and up to a year for treatment; delays that can have devastating consequences.

Again, women with the poorest outcomes are missing out. Only 11 services are offering care to women whose babies had been removed at or shortly after birth due to safeguarding concerns, despite this being one of the most vulnerable groups at particularly high risk of developing perinatal mental health issues and dying by suicide.

Final Thought

While we’ve seen some positive changes, the system remains inconsistent and, in many cases, inadequate. Tragically, there are still too many stories of women not being able to access the right care at the right time.

By protecting specialist services and integrating mental health support into routine maternity care, we can create a system where all women receive the right help during one of the most critical periods of their lives. Ensuring timely and equitable access to mental health support for all mothers – especially those facing additional barriers – must be a priority.

“The Government has embarked on transformative work to improve the country’s health. Better maternal mental health outcomes must be one test of our success.”

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP

For more of Curia UK’s analysis on women’s health policy, please click here.