Pre-existing mental health concerns

If you have pre-existing mental health concerns, it is very important for both you and your baby to continue with appropriate treatment during you pregnancy and postnatally. Treatment you may receive during your pregnancy can include counselling therapies and/or psychiatric medication, depending on your condition.

Medication is commonly used to control symptoms of mental health concerns. With recent research, we understand that withholding or withdrawing psychiatric medications during pregnancy can be detrimental to both your health and the health of your baby. Maintaining your emotional stability is essential to providing a safe and comfortable environment for your baby both during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

It’s understandable that you may be apprehensive about taking any medication during your pregnancy. Please speak to your GP or obstetrician about your current medications to ensure that what you are prescribed is safe to continue taking during your pregnancy. Any adjustments in dose should take place under the supervision of your doctor. We strongly recommend against reducing, increasing or ceasing your medication without medical advice.

Please let your midwife know at your next antenatal appointment if you are receiving any treatment for a mental health concern. We want to provide you with the best support available throughout your pregnancy journey and postnatal period; knowledge of any mental health concerns is vital for our Mater midwives and doctors.

For the best outcomes for you and your baby, we can liaise with your GP and psychiatrist/psychologist about a consistent plan for managing your mental health treatment during your pregnancy and during the initial postnatal period.