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Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Article Date: 01 May 2025

Article Date: 01 May 2025

What is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week?

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a vital, week-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness about mental health problems that can occur before, during, and after pregnancy. It shines a spotlight on the struggles many new and expectant mothers face — and the urgent need for better support systems.

Why is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week So Important?

While pregnancy and parenthood are often portrayed as times of joy, the reality can be far more complex. Despite an average of 16 interactions with healthcare professionals throughout pregnancy and postpartum, many women struggling with mental health challenges still fall through the cracks.

Mental health concerns like postnatal depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis are far more common than many realise — and yet, they often go undiagnosed or untreated.

Scientific and economic research strongly supports investing in perinatal mental health care. It’s not just the compassionate thing to do — it’s a smart investment in the future health of families and communities. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues, not only for mothers but also for their children, shaping stronger foundations for life.

Supporting the mental health of new and expectant parents is essential for delivering what the UK government has called the "Best Start in Life" for every child. Without prioritising maternal mental health, efforts to improve maternity services and overall family wellbeing will fall short.

The UK government has publicly committed to improving women’s health, maternity care, and mental health support. Perinatal mental health must remain a central focus of these commitments.

Who Organises Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week?

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is organised and led by the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK (PMHP UK). They launched the first-ever UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week back in 2017, and have continued to grow the campaign year after year, helping to break down stigma and promote much-needed change.


For more information, you can visit the official page here: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week | Maternal Mental Health Alliance