You can find out a lot about staying healthy in pregnancy on the Wessex Healthier Together website Staying healthy in pregnancy :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk), including links to information on healthy eating, exercise, alcohol intake, smoking and common health problems.
There is also a lot more advice and help about maternal mental health Maternal mental health :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk). To find out about what help and support you may need with your mental health in pregnancy or if you are supporting someone in pregnancy you can complete a short survey here: Perinatal (perinatalpathways.com).
At HHFT we have perinatal mental health specialist midwives who work with our midwives to support you with any new or existing mental health concerns you have. They also work closely with regional specialists in mental health.
- Perinatal Mental Health Team (PMHT) – The PMHT care for mothers who are experiencing serious perinatal mental health difficulties.
- Maternal Mental Health Service – A specialist service that provides assessment, support and psychological care for people who develop moderate to severe mental health difficulties relating to their maternity experience. This may include people who have experienced traumatic birth or have an extreme fear of childbirth (known as tokophobia Fear of childbirth (tokophobia) | Tommy's (tommys.org)).
You will be asked about your wellbeing at every antenatal and postnatal appointment and your midwife will provide advice, signposting to relevant services and referrals to specialists if needed. You can read more about your care during pregnancy with a serious mental illness here: Your care during pregnancy with a serious mental illness | Tommy's (tommys.org)
