perinatal mental health appointment

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Been reffered to this clinic by my consultant as I had PND last time and been a bit down this pregnancy (due to spending most of it in hospital). What should I expect at this appointment? looking for others experiences.

[jellybelly85]

I've got a great perinatal psychiatrist. The first appointment was about my mental health history, triggers, how the pregnancy had been, whether I need additional support...etc now we meet every 6 weeks (ish) just to catch up and make sure everything is going ok (or have a chat if things have been difficult).

Hope you have a positive experience too!

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

thanks jelly it sounds really positive :)
I think I'm over thinking it but been in hospital with hyperemisis and now the drs keep asking when Is my appointment as they now think it's psychological even though I know its not?
it's making me wary of what I say at the appointment if that makes sense!
Is there an assessment or anything that gets put in handheld notes?

[2ndbabymama]

For the same reason I was referred to the perinatal mental health team and will have my third appointment with a specialist midwife next week (38 weeks). Honestly, its been the best use of time (and some tears!). I'm so glad I got referred to her. Just knowing immediately someone really understands and know what they are talking about reassured me no end. I know its scary to be honest but I promised myself I would be to make sure I got the advice and support that I needed to stay well for my family. Nothing might stop another episode but I know I've done everything I can just now. Good luck. I really enjoyed meeting with her so hopefully you'll find it as useful . x

[CityMole]

I may be wrong, but I think your psychiatry/ psychology notes are kept entirely separate to your maternity notes, subject to the following:

1. your mental health practitioner will report to your maternity practitioners reasonably regularly on 'headline issues' coming out of your sessions insofar as those are relevant to your clinical maternity treatment
2. they are under a duty to report any flags that are raised re harm to you or someone else.

That is certainly how it is within the psychology support unit, not sure how it works with psychiatry, but can't imagine it being too different. Your space with a mental health practitioner should be a safe space for you where you can talk openly.

[SinkyMalinks]

now the drs keep asking when Is my appointment as they now think it's psychological even though I know its not?

Have they said that? It might be that they can see how hard your pregnancy is and want to make sure you're being supported?

Don't have personal experience, but a friend found it really helpful.

[MotherKat]

My mh assesment is in my hh notes, it has my pp medication and dosage in it so it has to be.

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

thank you for your replies I feel more at ease about it.
slinky they've been questioning how I still have sickness at 23 weeks and told me to try positive thinking to see if it helps and rushed the appointment. I probably am over thinking it though.
I have had moments where my mental health has suffered in this pregnancy but I think it's more down to the situations I've been in (i.e. health and finances).
At least I know there will be support when/if needed and hopefully after the birth.

[squeezed]

I have an initial meeting with the consultant due to my previous depression (last episode 4 years ago). She was quite reasonable in seeing how HG would make me feel sad, isolated etc and discharged me. I got the impression that if I wanted the support I could access it. She made a few notes in my book and said I would be discharged back to midwife care. I definitely thought that the understanding of mental health was much better than my last pregnancy 3 years ago and I was left feeling reassured. If you ever need the support I think it will be there for you.

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

squeezed that's what I'm hoping for. I hope your hg is easing? wishful thinking I know