Has anyone been referred to perinatal mental health whilst TTC

[CherylPorter350]

Hi, myself and my DH are planning on TTC. I'm a bit older so went to the gp to get some bloods done etc. My GP called to tell me she was going to let my psychiatrist know so I could be referred to perinatal.

I've battled mh issues my whole life but I have 3 children already...21, 13 and 12. I'm stable and have been for a long time. Its never interfered with parenting, I have a successful career, financially stable etc.

Seems a bit extreme in my view.

Just wondered if anyone had any similar experiences

Are you on any medication? It could be to discuss that?

I was once I was pregnant so not quite the same. Different background in that my MH history was a short period off work with stress immediately preceding my pregnancy. I think the referral to the perinatal MH team was done by my booking in mw. I received a call from one of the team nurses and she deemed that I didn't need any specific support but would leave my file open for the duration of my pregnancy so I could instantly call them if I ever felt the need. Got the feeling the referral was part of the standard process in the same way you access additional scans if you have GD or are over 40.

I'd see it as a good thing. It's likely to be additional support if you need it, and at a time when mws are so stretched and you barely see them, it's good that women needing additional support can be looked after. Good luck TTC.

@AwkwardPaws27

Are you on any medication? It could be to discuss that?

I am on medication so it may be that

I am on medication so it may be that

Some medication is safe during pregnancy but there are a few that aren't. I found my GP wasn't very up-to-date on this so I self referred to perinatal before TTC to confirm they were happy for me to continue the antidepressant I was prescribed (I had a discussion with a specialist pharmacist in the team about pros and cons and decide to continue it). I think some medication may need to be increased to achieve the sane efficacy later in pregnancy, as your blood volume increases.

It may also be the condition - women who have bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia, for example, are at an increased risk of postpartum psychosis, so support may be put in place for some extra monitoring around and after birth, & a plan made for potential medication if needed.

I found them really helpful and much more supportive than my GP regarding YTC while on medication, so I hope you have a positive experience.

@awkwardPaws27 thanks for that, it put my mind at ease.

I don't have schizophrenia or bipolar but I do take antidepressants, anxiety medication and an antipsychoticc daily im going to assume they want to make sure those are safe to continue or look at alternatives