Around the world, approximately 25% of pregnant women and new mothers experience some form of mental health issue. Very often, these women do not receive the support they need.
Although pregnancy and childbirth are incredible experiences, they can be extremely challenging, particularly in poorer parts of the world. During pregnancy, and for many months afterwards, women are at risk of a number of maternal mental illnesses due to their vulnerability and the demanding circumstances they face.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 runs from 1st to 7th May 2023 and focuses on perinatal mental health. In particular, it encourages those in power to make positive changes to maternal mental health services. More must be done to help women access maternity health services, particularly in relation to postpartum mental health support, which is where women are most at risk.