Which specialist provides perinatal mental health support?

Perinatal mental health care covers pregnancy and the period after birth. A psychiatrist can assess symptoms, consider previous mental health history, discuss therapy and medicines, and coordinate care when symptoms are severe or complicated. A psychologist or therapist may provide structured talking therapy, while a midwife, obstetrician, family doctor, or health visitor may identify concerns and arrange referral.

Support can address persistent sadness, intense worry, panic, intrusive thoughts, trauma symptoms, sleep disruption, or difficulty bonding with the baby. Treatment is tailored to pregnancy, breastfeeding, your preferences, and the level of support available at home.

Start with your obstetrician, midwife, family doctor, or maternity service and ask specifically for a perinatal mental health referral. Tell them when symptoms began, how sleep and daily tasks are affected, and whether you have had similar episodes before. Ask whether the service includes psychiatric review, psychological therapy, medication advice, or follow-up after birth.

Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and include someone you trust in the appointment if that would help. Support can be useful during pregnancy, after delivery, or after pregnancy loss.

Seek urgent help if you feel unable to keep yourself or the baby safe, hear or see things others do not, feel detached from reality, or have thoughts of suicide or harming someone. Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department, and do not remain alone while waiting for help. Severe agitation, confusion, or rapidly changing behaviour after birth also needs immediate assessment.

Ask which clinician will lead your care, how quickly you can be seen, what therapy options are available, how medicines may affect pregnancy or breastfeeding, and whom to contact if symptoms worsen between visits.