New data from NHS England shows that one in six NHS trusts are struggling to report if they are screening every pregnant woman for mental health issues at their 10-week antenatal appointment in line with clinical guidelines.
This is despite an estimated one in five new and expectant mums developing perinatal mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis, the college is warning.
“Left untreated, these illnesses can have a devastating impact on the lives of the woman, their newborn child and other family members. Mental illness is the leading cause of maternal death in the first year after birth,” it says.
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