Support before pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy and take mental health medications, speak to your GP. They need to review your medication before stopping your medication. Most medications are safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Click here for information about this.
Do not stop medication suddenly. Only reduce or replace medication after a review from your specialist health care professional. This will either be your psychiatrist or your GP.
If your GP needs further specialist advice, they will speak to the pregnancy mental health team. Sometimes you are offered an appointment to see the specialist team before you get pregnant.
7 out of 10 women may relapse in pregnancy without support and care, or if medication is stopped abruptly, so please refer early for support.
Leicester Hospitals are aware of safety of medication in pregnancy and work jointly with services across Leicester to make sure the choices you make are not impacting on your own mental health and well being. Click here for more information on this.
Support during pregnancy
Leicester Hospitals run a joint clinic for pregnant people. This can be accessed by your GP, midwife, mental health team or hospital. If you feel like you need this service, speak to your midwife or doctor.
Support is provided around emotional health and well-being, working with you to make plans for care in pregnancy and birth. If you are invited to a clinic for an appointment, you might see an obstetrician, specialist midwife, and/or a mental health nurse. The team have the clinics weekly at both hospitals and can discuss your care with a psychiatrist for direct support around medication.
The team will meet with you and discuss a care plan that you agree with for pregnancy and after your baby is born. This plan will support you to make your own choices as to how you wish to be cared for during and after pregnancy, and ensure you’re in good health and feel ready for when your baby arrives.
Useful resources
- Jakin Pregnancy Care & Counselling- Unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy loss support
- Birth Trauma Association
- Mind
- NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Talking Therapies
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust- Central Access Point
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust- Perinatal Mental Health Service