Perinatal refers to the time period from conception to one year post birth. Maternal mental health services are specifically created to support the mental health of women and families during the period of transition into motherhood and family life.

Whilst this transition is a perfectly normal and common part of human life, we also know that it can be difficult for lots of mums with the added pressures of modern life.

Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that one in five mums struggle with their mental health during this time – whether it is whilst trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy or in the first year or so after having a baby. This is largely a biological process and so it is likely that these numbers are the same in UAE. Furthermore, many of the social and psychological factors, such as a history of mental health problems or social stressors such as financial pressure are global and therefore experienced by women and their families across the world.

These difficulties occur in a variety of different ways:

  • Depression can cover a range of conditions, from fluctuations in mood seen in ‘Baby Blues’ which affects most women and is considered normal, to major depression during pregnancy or post-natal depression
  • Anxiety is extremely common during this time period, and when it impacts on your day- to-day function can be part of a generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, or health anxiety, or may prevent you from feeling able to get pregnant as seen with tokophobia.
  • The most severe form of maternal mental illness is Postpartum Psychosis which affects 1 in 500 births each year around the world.

    • Unfortunately, not all attempts to have a baby are successful, or the journey to parenthood may have been long and complicated, whether this is due to fertility difficulties, recurrent miscarriages, traumatic pregnancies and births – all of which will have an impact upon your mental well-being as it can be linked to Trauma and Loss.

    All of these experiences can feel overwhelming, and help is available. In some cases, these conditions can be preventable with early assessment and intervention. This does not always mean medication, and great relief can be found through talking therapies.

    Maudsley Health have established the first highly specialized maternal mental health service for the UAE. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of experts from around the world, including nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists, who have been working in maternal mental health services for decades. We are very proud at Maudsley Health to have this collection of experts at your disposal! We have the privilege of offering evidence-based treatment and support in women’s perinatal experiences taking into account the local Emirati culture, and the diverse communities that we serve.

    Come and talk to us and let us support you through this life-changing time – giving you the best start at motherhood and giving your baby a healthy beginning.

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