New and expectant mothers have experienced a ‘significant increase in poor mental health’ - resources and help available

There has been a “significant increase in poor mental health” reported by pregnant women and new mothers during the coronavirus pandemic, exacerbating gaps in support, according to analysis.

A rise in the risk of anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal thoughts has been found, as women navigate pregnancy and early motherhood during the pandemic, through review of evidence.

Women of colour and those from poorer backgrounds particularly affected

The evidence was gathered by the Centre for Mental Health, which conducted a rapid review for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), and found that women of colour and those from poorer backgrounds had been particularly affected.

The pandemic has created a mental health crisis for many new or expectant mothers, which is likely to have long-term consequences, the MMHA review found.

The coronavirus pandemic has also created new increased pressures, including fears about giving birth alone without partners, fearing losing their job, and the possibility of their baby catching Covid-19.

Limitations on services because of the pandemic, combined with informal support networks being curtailed, has resulted in several new mothers struggling, particularly at the start of the pandemic.