O61 - Emotional and mental health challenges of expectant and new parents - what can midwives do to improve outcomes in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood

Abstract

It is well established that expectant and new parents are most at risk of developing emotional and mental health conditions in pregnancy and the year following birth. Research was undertaken with 1,800 expectant and new parents to identify the key emotional and mental health challenges experienced, what were the compounding factors, and what could have prevented/alleviated the impact. 43% of respondents identified emotional and mental health challenges during their pregnancy and over a third (37%) experienced challenges at their birth. Expectant parents spoke of unmet expectations about what pregnancy was supposed to be like, the experience of anxiety, depression and hyperemesis – all of which were often not well understood by patients and/or health professionals. Body image, family violence, and the impacts of the pandemic were all seen to exacerbate mental health outcomes. Contrary to national guidelines, many parents came off their antidepressant medication, resulting in relapse at this already vulnerable life stage. Birth trauma featured prominently, exacerbated by poor treatment by front-line health professionals, lack of opportunity to debrief, and lack of continuity of care – all of which undermined new parents and further exacerbated their emotional and mental health vulnerability. The research emphasises the critical importance of education, prevention and early intervention approaches to support awareness and early detection and intervention. This presentation will equip midwives with insights, education and access to world-leading innovative solutions that are freely available to support best practice and reduce the significant levels of distress. All training and resources are freely available for practicing midwives and those in their care.