Creating change

We won’t stop until all mums in the UK get the mental health support they need, before, during and after pregnancy

As many as 1 in 4 women and birthing people will develop a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the early years after having a baby. Too often, they go unrecognised.

If untreated, perinatal mental health problems can have a devastating impact on the women affected and their families, and cost the UK economy a staggering £8.1bn a year.

The MMHA exists to change this.

Maternal mental health statistics

As many as 1 in 4

women and birthing people experience perinatal mental illness

70%

will hide or underplay maternal mental health difficulties

Suicide

is the leading cause of maternal death in the first postnatal year

Explore the research

Improving access to services

The MMHA’s Everyone’s Business campaign calls for all women throughout the UK who experience a perinatal mental health problem to receive the care and support they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.

Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services (UK)

Specialist services are foundational for perinatal mental health care. Our maps show where these services are and aren't available in the UK.

Explore our maps

Maternal Mental Health Services (England)

These services provide psychological therapies for moderate to severe mental health issues directly arising from someone's maternity journey.

Find out more

Make all care count

Women and families across the UK need equal access to high-quality, compassionate care and support, including and beyond specialist services.

Find out more

TAKE ACTION

Help us make perinatal mental health a priority

It's crucial that we work together to make sure perinatal mental health is on the political agenda. The MMHA is calling for every parliamentarian to demonstrate their support for the mental health of new and expectant mothers.

Take action

Highlighting inequities

Although anyone can experience perinatal mental health problems, some parents are at greater risk of becoming unwell and less likely to receive the care they need.

Addiction and child removal

For women facing drug and/or alcohol addiction, there is an intense stigma around pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

Read more

Black maternal mental health

Black mothers consistently have poorer experiences of care and worse maternity outcomes.

Read more

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse affects an estimated 1.3 million women each year, with many cases beginning or escalating during pregnancy.

Read more

Young mums

Postnatal depression is up to twice as prevalent in teenage mothers compared to those over 20 and teenage maternal suicide is rising.

Find out more

Follow our campaign

Every few months we publish an eBulletin to:

  • chart our campaigning progress 
  • highlight risks and opportunities to improve perinatal mental healthcare across the UK
  • share new research and resources to help people working with women, babies, and families in the perinatal period provide the best possible mental health support.
Take a look