Perinatal Mental Health Team

The 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. They promote wellbeing during pregnancy, prevention of relapse and assists with birth planning.

Perinatal mental health services

  • 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.
  • An assessment that takes into account what is important to you during your pregnancy.
  • 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 in pregnancy and breastfeeding such as anti-depressants.
  • Information about other services such as Talking Therapies and the Family Information service.
  • Referrals up to 18 months postnatally.
  • Consultation for 18 to 24 months postnatally.
  • We offer interventions up to baby's second birthday.

Resources

Videos

Feedback surveys

Referrals for professionals

Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service and Perinatal Loss and Trauma Team referral form (DOCX, 68 KB).

Perinatal referrer feedback

The Perinatal Team are committed to continually improving and developing our service to best support patients, families, and professionals. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what's working well and where we can make positive changes.

Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences so we can continue to grow and improve together.

Resources

People with a mental health condition who are planning a pregnancy

Close to 551,000 people in the UK are managing a mental health condition. A large proportion of these are people who may be contemplating pregnancy or are at risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Through this partnership with @tommys_baby, @publichealthengland, @nhsengland and @lifeatkings have developed supportive resources for those who are planning a pregnancy or may wish to become pregnant in the future.

Mental health conditions can refer to a wide range of conditions. The new resources we have created have been developed to specifically offer support to those who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. These conditions include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression and psychosis.

Visit the Tommy's information hub (opens in new window)

Partners and dads

Cornwall NHS 24/7 mental health support line

Anyone in Cornwall can now call the mental health help-line for support, advice and mental health triage. Call 0800 038 5300.

Video interaction guidance