Peer Support for Women with Antenatal Depression

Mental health problems in pregnancy often need more urgent intervention than at other times. The potential effect on the fetus, and on the woman's physical health and care, and her ability to function and care for her family can be severely comprised (RCM, 2015). Pharmacologic interventions during pregnancy are highly complex given the risks of fetal exposure to medication (NICE 2015). Women often do not like taking medication and this can mean they are afraid of admitting to any feelings of depression or low mood (Boath 2004). This can understandably, affect their engagement in any potential treatment (Flynn et al 2006).