Mental health findings
The findings show that the number of women with postnatal mental health problems is still higher than before the pandemic, with 3 in 10 women reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress 6 months after giving birth. Despite this, 2 in 10 women said they were either not asked, or could not remember being asked, about their mental health by a health professional at the time their pregnancy was booked (this is usually around 12 weeks) or after the birth of their baby. These findings highlight the ongoing need for timely conversations about mental health and access to effective support throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Experiences of Maternity Care
More than 8 in 10 women said they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their care during pregnancy and childbirth, while just over 7 in 10 women were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their postnatal care. While most women were satisfied, a considerable number of women were not satisfied with their care at different stages of the maternity journey. These findings highlight the need to understand why some women report lower satisfaction with care, particularly after birth, so that targeted improvements can help ensure all women receive high-quality, supportive care.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health website.