Mental Health Flashcards
Which factors contribute to poor mental health in the PN period?
MBRRACE 2022
Loss of a child
Child taken into care
Women with substance misuse even if have shown improvement during pregnancy
Multiple adversity
Types of death
Suicide - hanging, overdose, fall from height, traffic/ train, lacerations
Homicide
Substance misuse
Accidental death
Types of support for women and MDT working
Specialist perinatal mental health midwife
GP/ maternity professional/ health visitor
Crisis/ liaison team/ home treatment team
Adult community mental health team
Community perinatal mental health team/ perinatal mental health day service.
Mother and baby unit
Perinatal psychiatrist
Psychologist
Obstetrician
Child and adolescent mental health team
Social workers/ children’s services
What is very common in relation to mental illness?
Sleep disturbance
What are the red flags to look out for?
Feelings or thoughts that you have never had before which make you disturbed or anxious
Experiencing thoughts of harming yourself in violent ways
Severe struggles to sleep
Feeling incompetent although you can’t cope or feeling
Nice postnatal guidance
Effective and prompt communication is sharing relevant information regarding previous or current health concerns
Asses signs and symptoms of potential postnatal concerns regarding mental health at each postnatal contact
Opportunity to talk about birth experience and provide support pathways including birth reflections services
NICE antenatal and postnatal mental health guideline
involve the woman and her family in decision making
review and assess any medication needs
Neonatal monitoring if medications or illicit substances have been used
offer support and advice to those who have had a traumatic birth including stillbirth and miscarriage
Encourage breastfeeding where able - consider medications (carbamazepine, clozapine and lithium contraindicated)
