Perinatal Mental Health Team
Patient information
Perinatal Mental Health Team
Mental wellbeing around the time of having a baby.
Pregnancy and mental health
Most women have good mental health during pregnancy, but if you’ve
had a previous episode of mental illness this may increase the risk of
further episodes during and after pregnancy.
Who are we?
The perinatal mental health team specialises in the assessment,
diagnosis and short-term treatment of women affected by a moderate
to severe mental health illness in the preconception, antenatal and
postnatal period.
Who is the service for?
We are a team that works with women of all ages, across a range of
mental health problems, such as;
• bipolar disorder
• depression
• schizophrenia
• eating disorders
• OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
• anxiety disorders
• personality disorders
• puerperal or postpartum psychosis.
The service is for pregnant women with a pre-existing mental illness or
those at risk, and women who encounter problems for the first time
during or after their pregnancy.
2www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
What we offer:
• Preconceptual advice, pregnancy and birth planning for women who have
had a previous episode of mental illness
• A consultation that may lead to a further assessment of risk and treatment options
• Onward referral for psychological therapies
• The shared development of a care plan that meets your personal needs
• Planning for the postnatal period to promote wellness and prevent relapse
• Advice in prescribing medication for mental health reasons during pregnancy
and breast feeding eg anti-depressants
• Information about other services.
• Support for up to one year, if the problems start during pregnancy or during
first six months postnatally.
Who is in the team?
Our team has specialist perinatal mental health nurse and a perinatal
consultant psychiatrist. We also have access to psychological services and work
closely with midwifery services and health visitors.
How will I know if the service is right for me?
We will talk to you about any concerns you have, how we can help and
whether telephone advice or an appointment is necessary.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
We aim to contact everyone within two weeks of referral, unless urgent We
offer face-to-face or home visit appointments. You can bring someone with
you if you wish.
Useful telephone numbers and websites
Need emotional support or advice outside office hours, call
0800 028 8000 (5pm-9am Mon-Fri/24hrs Sat-Sun and bank holidays).
www.bestbeginnings.org.uk
app-network.org
help4mums.org
nhs.uk/conditions/postnataldepression
rcpsych.ac.uk
Perinatal Mental Health Team 3
How to contact us
We are based in Tooting, South London and are available
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Perinatal Mental Health Team,
Clare House
St George’s Hospital
Blackshaw Road
SW17 0QT
020 8266 6984
If you would like to give us feedback please contact:
• Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): 020 3513 6150
• Feedback online at: https://feedback.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
• Patient Opinion: www.patientopinion.org.uk
Making a referral
Your GP, midwife or another healthcare professional can refer you. To ensure
care is provided as recommended by NICE guidelines, you may be offered
psychological services in the first instance. You may be offered a joint
assessment with another NHS mental health service.
Our values
If you require this document in an alternative format please call: 020 3513 6006
South West London and St George’s Mental Health
NHS Trust
Springfield University Hospital, 61 Glenburnie Road,
London SW17 7DJ
Telephone: 020 3513 5000
Website: www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
Copyright © 2016 South West London and
St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Published and distributed by:
Communications Department
Ref: Perinatal.MHT.16
All information correct at time of printing