Do you have a mum-to-be or a new mum in your life? Please keep a really close eye on her. Most of us have heard of post-natal depression but prenatal depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis are also far more common than imagined. At least one in five women suffer from perinatal mental health problems but only around 40% are diagnosed, with just 3% of women experiencing a full recovery. Maternal mental health has a huge effect on the developing foetus, seen from as early as 17 weeks after conception. It can lower IQ, induce preterm birth, and lead to neonatal death as well as children experiencing emotional and behavioural problems or special educational needs. Ultimately, it can lead to a child leaving school with no or poor qualifications. For the mother, it can begin decades of poor mental and physical health impacting the entire family, massive financial implications and, sometimes, the terrible effects of suicide on her family.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 09:43:56 +0000
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