When should I start planning a pregnancy?
It’s a good idea to plan your pregnancy as far in advance as you can. This will give you time to talk to your doctor about any medication you’re taking and make sure you’re as healthy as possible.
If you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs you will need time to give these up gradually and safely. Make sure you’re using a reliable form of contraception during this time.
Speak to your GP or mental health professional as soon as possible if you’re thinking about having a baby or if you get pregnant.
If you’re under 18, you may have contact with a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) and if you already have children, you can talk to your health visitor, family nurse or support worker.
It’s important to keep taking your mental health medication until you see a doctor who specialises in mental health, such as a psychiatrist. Stopping your medication suddenly may harm your mental health and may not benefit your baby.
Some women remain well during pregnancy, some do not – everyone is different. But we know that the chance of mental illness returning is higher in pregnancy and just afterwards. Being aware of this means you can think ahead and be prepared so you can get help quickly and recover.
There is treatment to help you. Thinking ahead and being prepared is the key.
What if I have a serious mental illness and am already pregnant?
It isn’t always possible to plan a pregnancy in advance. If you are already pregnant or your pregnancy wasn’t planned, it’s important to tell your GP or mental health professional as soon as possible. If you’re a young parent, you can also speak to CAMHS, your health visitor, family nurse or support worker.
Don’t stop taking your mental health medication until you have spoken to your doctor because this can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse.
Read more
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Past experience of trauma
Having a baby is a positive and exciting experience for many women. But if you have had a traumatic experience in the past, you may find some of the difficult feelings come back when you’re planning a pregnancy or become pregnant. -
Eating well and staying active
Healthy food and regular activity can improve mental wellbeing as well as being very important for the development of a future baby. -
Bipolar disorder and planning a pregnancy
If you have bipolar disorder and want to get pregnant it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start trying for a baby. -
Thinking ahead to pregnancy: practical tips on staying well
Read some practical tips about staying well once you are pregnant, if you are planning a pregnancy with a mental illness. -
Planning a pregnancy with a mental health condition
If you have a mental health condition, pregnancy brings extra challenges and you are at higher risk of relapse during this time than at others. -
Family planning and fertility
Information about when to try for a baby, contraception, ovulation, and fertility when you have a serious mental illness -
Planning a pregnancy and managing your mental health
Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are not unusual in pregnancy so it’s important to look after your mental wellbeing. -
Treatments for severe mental illness before, during and after pregnancy
Information for you about different types of treatment for mental health illness if you have a serious mental illness and are planning to become pregnant.