Perinatal Mental Health Support UK | Pregnancy & Postnatal

Perinatal Mental Health Problems
Therapy for Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy and After Birth

Pregnancy and the first year after having a baby can be a time of enormous change. While it can bring joy and excitement, it can also be emotionally challenging, exhausting and overwhelming.

Many people experience difficulties with their mental health during pregnancy or after the birth of a child. These are known as perinatal mental health problems.

Perinatal mental health difficulties are very common and highly treatable, particularly when the right type of therapy is available early. Speaking to a therapist who understands perinatal experiences can help you make sense of what you are feeling and develop practical tools to support your recovery.

Perinatal mental health problems include conditions such as postnatal depression, perinatal anxiety and birth trauma, affecting thousands of parents across the UK each year.

What Are Perinatal Mental Health Problems?

The perinatal period refers to the time during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth.

During this time, significant hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, lifestyle adjustments and new responsibilities can place huge demands on emotional wellbeing.

Perinatal mental health problems most commonly include perinatal anxiety and postnatal depression, which affect an estimated 10–20% of women in the UK during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Partners and fathers can also experience perinatal mental health difficulties.

While many parents expect to feel joyful after the arrival of a baby, the reality can involve a complex mix of emotions. Adjusting to pregnancy, childbirth and the responsibilities of caring for a new baby can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Perinatal mental health difficulties are very common and highly treatable, particularly when support is accessed early.

Perinatal mental health problems can affect anyone — including first-time parents or those who have had children before.

Common difficulties during the perinatal period include:

• Postnatal depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Panic attacks

• Health anxiety related to the baby

• Obsessive or intrusive thoughts

• Birth trauma

• Difficulties bonding with the baby

• Feelings of guilt, shame or inadequacy as a parent

These experiences can feel confusing or frightening, especially when you expected to feel happy or fulfilled after the birth of your baby.

Signs You May Be Struggling

Perinatal mental health problems can present in different ways. Some people notice symptoms during pregnancy, while others begin to struggle after the baby is born.

Common symptoms include:

• Withdrawing from friends or family

• Sudden mood swings

• Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

• Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy

• Increased use of alcohol or substances to cope

• Physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating or loss of appetite

• Panic attacks (racing heart, breathlessness or shaking)

• Developing obsessive or compulsive behaviours

• Distressing thoughts about harm coming to yourself or your baby

Many parents also report feeling pressure to appear as though they are coping well, which can make it harder to ask for support.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it is often the first step towards feeling like yourself again.

Baby Blues vs Postnatal Depression

Many new parents experience what is commonly known as the “baby blues” during the first few days after birth. This can include tearfulness, irritability, mood swings and feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

The baby blues usually pass within a few days or weeks as hormones settle and families adjust to life with a new baby.

However, when low mood, anxiety or emotional distress lasts longer than two weeks, or begins to interfere with daily life, this may indicate postnatal depression or perinatal anxiety, and professional support may be helpful.

Common Perinatal Mental Health Conditions

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 10 mothers in the UK, and it can also affect fathers and partners.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent low mood

• Loss of interest or enjoyment

• Fatigue and lack of motivation

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Difficulty bonding with the baby

Without support, postnatal depression can last for many months, but effective therapy can significantly improve recovery.

Perinatal Anxiety

Anxiety during pregnancy or after birth is also very common.

This may involve:

• Constant worrying about the baby’s health

• Fear that something terrible will happen

• Panic attacks

• Over-checking behaviours

• Avoiding situations that feel risky

Perinatal anxiety often co-occurs with depression, and both can respond well to psychological therapy.

Intrusive Thoughts After Birth

Many parents experience distressing intrusive thoughts during the perinatal period, including unwanted thoughts about harm coming to the baby.

These thoughts can be frightening, but they are far more common than people realise and do not mean someone will act on them.

Specialist therapy can help parents understand why these thoughts occur and reduce the anxiety they create.

Postnatal Psychosis

Postnatal psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that affects around 1–2 in every 1,000 mothers following childbirth.

Symptoms usually appear suddenly and may include:

• extreme mood swings

• confusion or disorientation

• hallucinations or delusional beliefs

• significant behaviour changes

• mania or severe depression

Postnatal psychosis requires urgent medical treatment and often hospital care.

Because of the level of risk involved, online therapy is not suitable as the primary treatment for postnatal psychosis, and immediate medical support should be sought through a GP or hospital.

Most women who receive appropriate treatment go on to make a full recovery.

What Causes Perinatal Mental Health Difficulties?

There is rarely a single cause. Instead, perinatal mental health problems tend to arise from a combination of factors, including:

• Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy

• Sleep deprivation

• Previous mental health difficulties

• Birth trauma or medical complications

• Lack of social support

• Relationship stress

• Major life adjustments associated with becoming a parent

Understanding these factors can help reduce self-blame and provide a clearer path towards recovery.

Is Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Common in the UK?

Yes. Perinatal anxiety and depression are common in the UK. Research suggests that around 10–20% of women experience a mental health difficulty during pregnancy or within the first year after birth, most commonly anxiety disorders or postnatal depression.

NHS and UK government data also indicate that up to 1 in 4 women may experience some form of perinatal mental health problem, ranging from mild anxiety and low mood to more severe conditions.

Although these difficulties are common, many people delay seeking support. Early access to evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can significantly improve recovery and help parents feel more confident and emotionally supported during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Can Therapy Help Perinatal Mental Health Problems?

Short Answer - Yes!

What Is the Best Therapy for Perinatal Mental Health Problems?

The most effective therapy will depend on the specific difficulties someone is experiencing. However, several evidence-based therapies are particularly helpful during the perinatal period.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for perinatal anxiety and depression.

CBT helps people understand how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and provides practical strategies to break cycles of worry, guilt and low mood.

CBT can help with:

• Postnatal depression

• Anxiety and panic

• Health anxiety about the baby

• Intrusive thoughts

• Perfectionism and self-criticism

CBT is recommended by NICE guidelines for many perinatal mental health conditions.

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Many new parents struggle with intense self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy.

Compassion Focused Therapy helps people develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with themselves during a time that can feel emotionally demanding.

This approach can be particularly helpful when guilt or shame are present.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

For parents who experienced a traumatic birth or medical complications, trauma-focused therapies can help process these experiences.

Approaches such as trauma-focused CBT or EMDR can support recovery from birth trauma.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy during the perinatal period provides a safe and confidential space to:

• Talk openly about how you are feeling

• Understand why certain emotions or thoughts are appearing

• Develop practical coping strategies

• Rebuild confidence in yourself as a parent

• Reduce anxiety and intrusive thoughts

• Strengthen emotional wellbeing

Many people report feeling enormous relief simply from talking to someone who understands the psychological challenges of early parenthood.

When Should You Seek Support?

It may be helpful to seek support if:

• Your mood or anxiety has persisted for two weeks or longer

• Symptoms are affecting your ability to function day to day

• You feel overwhelmed, exhausted or unable to cope

• You feel disconnected from your baby

• Intrusive thoughts are causing distress

• Your anxiety is preventing you from enjoying time with your baby

Seeking help early can significantly reduce the severity and duration of perinatal mental health difficulties.

Find a Therapist Experienced in Perinatal Mental Health

Working with a therapist who understands the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood can make a significant difference.

At My Therapist Online, we carefully match you with experienced therapists who specialise in areas such as:

• Postnatal depression

• Perinatal anxiety

• Birth trauma

• Intrusive thoughts after having a baby

• Parenting stress and adjustment

Our therapists work online, making it easier to access support from home — particularly helpful during pregnancy or while caring for a young baby.

Start therapy today and take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.

Recommended Books for Perinatal Mental Health Problems

Many people find it helpful to combine therapy with evidence-based self-help resources.

The below recommended books all provide practical and evidence-based techniques for helping with perinatal mental health problems, as well as being books written to support lasting change. They can serve as standalone resources or be used alongside your online therapy session.

The Compassionate Mind Approach to Postnatal Depression – Dr Michelle Cree
Written by a UK clinical psychologist, this book uses Compassion Focused Therapy to help parents understand and manage feelings of shame, guilt and self-criticism that can arise after having a baby.

Overcoming Postnatal Depression: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques – Dr Helen Kennerley
A CBT-based workbook from a leading UK clinical psychologist that provides practical strategies to help manage postnatal depression, anxiety and unhelpful thinking patterns.

Mind Over Mother – Dr Anna Mathur
Written by a UK psychotherapist specialising in maternal mental health, this book explores common challenges such as anxiety, overwhelm and intrusive thoughts during early parenthood.

What Am I Thinking? Having a Baby After Postnatal Depression – Karen Kleiman
A well-known guide that helps parents understand and manage distressing intrusive thoughts and anxiety that can occur during pregnancy or after birth.

Perinatal Mental Health Therapy in the UK

Perinatal mental health problems affect many people across the UK, and effective support is available.

At My Therapist Online, we connect people across the UK with experienced therapists who specialise in supporting mental health during pregnancy and after birth. All therapy sessions take place securely online, allowing you to work with a specialist therapist wherever you live in the UK.

• Our therapists include:

  • Chartered Clinical Psychologists

  • BABCP Accredited CBT Therapists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Accredited Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Many people prefer online therapy during the perinatal period because it allows them to access specialist support from home, which can be particularly helpful during pregnancy or while caring for a new baby.

Working with a therapist experienced in perinatal anxiety, postnatal depression and birth-related trauma can help you understand what you are experiencing and develop practical strategies to support your wellbeing during this important stage of life.

Therapists Who Specialise in the treatment of Perinatal Mental Health Problems

• Angelina Santos - CBT Therapist - Perinatal and TRauma Specialist

• Lucy Harvey - CBT & EMDR Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Sarah Kenny - CBT Therapist

• Bev Stroh - CBT & EMDR Therapist

• Lara Lopes De Jesus - Chartered Counselling Psychologist

• Dianne Mccormick - Clinical Psychologist

• Casey Bradford - Clinical Psychologist

• Konstantina Tsalavouta - Counselling Psychologist
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Perinatal Mental Health

Is it normal to struggle with your mental health after having a baby?

Yes. Many people experience emotional difficulties during pregnancy or after birth. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, life adjustments and the pressures of caring for a new baby can all affect mental wellbeing. Perinatal mental health problems are common and support is available.

What is the difference between the “baby blues” and postnatal depression?

The baby blues are very common and usually occur in the first week or two after birth, often involving tearfulness, mood swings and feeling overwhelmed. These symptoms typically pass within a short time.
Postnatal depression is more persistent and can involve ongoing low mood, anxiety, exhaustion, and feelings of hopelessness that last for weeks or months without support.

Can perinatal mental health problems be treated successfully?

Yes. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and trauma-focused therapies can be very effective in treating anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts during the perinatal period.

How long does therapy for postnatal depression or anxiety take?

Many people begin to notice improvements within a few months. The exact length of therapy varies depending on the challenges you are facing and the type of therapy being used.

Can therapy help with intrusive thoughts about my baby?

Yes. Intrusive thoughts during the perinatal period are more common than many people realise. Therapies such as CBT can help you understand why these thoughts occur and reduce the distress and anxiety they create.

Can online therapy work for new parents?

Yes. Online therapy can be particularly helpful during pregnancy or early parenthood because it removes the need to travel to appointments. Many parents find it easier to access support from home while caring for a baby.

Find a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or emotional difficulties during pregnancy or after birth, you do not have to navigate this alone.

At My Therapist Online, we carefully match you with experienced UK therapists who specialise in perinatal anxiety, postnatal depression, birth trauma and intrusive thoughts after having a baby.

You can start with a free 15-minute introductory session to ensure the therapist feels like the right fit.

This page was reviewed by Lisa Johnston, BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist, Anxiety Disorders Specialist.