Midwife appointments and mental health

[user1489175536]

Hi, I have had my first antenatal appointment a while ago and also had my dating scan. My mental health seems to be on a fownward spiral. I had depression before getting pregnant but at the start if the pregnancy I felt fine again as I jusg came off my meds. It's now affecting how I go about my daily things, working even going out the house is impossible. Can I book to see my midwife before I'm next dye to see her at an appointment? Feel really stuck...

You need to see your GP to discuss meds that might work and are considered safe for your baby

Ring midwife as well to ask about perinatal mental health referral

Yes, talk to your midwife asap. My gp didn't know what to do with me and referred me to a general counsellor during my last pregnancy which was not particularly helpful. I mentioned this to my midwife and she said that if i started to feel that way again during this pregnancy she could organise a counsellor who specialises in pre natal work. Appreciate that if you've been on medication your situation is different but please do ask for help before your next routine appointment.

Of course you should arrange an earlier appointment, if you have a phone number for her, I'd see if you can contact the midwife first to see how best to approach it. GP might be better.

BUT, the only way to discuss meds and get them again if appropriate is see GP

It's possible that mw can refer to a specialist ante natal MH team who might be better than gp.

A different thing but I saw a specialist ante natal asthma nurse and was prescribed a new inhaler, rather than going via gp.

Ring your midwife and ask. I had PND after my first and have had terrible anxiety during this pregnancy. I've been offered a duel meeting (or something that sounds like that) in which they will include different agencies to make sure my menta health is monitored. I've not taken them up on it as I don't think I really need anything at the minute but I'm offered it each time I see them.

Dual not duel....there is no slapping each other with gloves (hopefully!)

Thankyou very much! I'll be ringing them in the morning to ask what the best thing to do would be I have heard of my widwife team being able to refer to antenatal mental health teams as my midwife made sure to support my past depression and make sure to ask me how I am, thank you