Report highlights cost of pregnancy related mental health problems

Posted October 20th 2014

Insufficient care for women experiencing pregnancy related mental health problems costs the UK economy over £8 billion per year of births, according to a new report.

The paper, The costs of perinatal mental health problems, has been produced by the London School of Economics and the Centre for Mental Health. The report forms part of the Everyone’s Business campaign, which calls for all women throughout the UK who experience perinatal mental health problems to receive the care they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.

The report found that the costs of mental health problems among women in pregnancy are far greater than previously thought, amounting to several times the cost of the care provided.

NCMH director Professor Ian Jones, who is also a member of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, said:

“The figures highlighted in the report illustrate just how much of a priority that suitable, high quality mental health care in pregnancy and following childbirth needs to be.”

“These figures can only account for the financial cost – the personal and emotional toll of mental health problems in pregnancy and following childbirth can be tremendously high. Hopefully this report will bring the issue into the spotlight, and lead to real improvements in the treatment of women with pregnancy related mental health problems.”

The costs of perinatal mental health problems report officially launches tomorrow (21st October) in parliament. Professor Jones and Dr Sarah Jones of NCMH will be attending in support of the paper.

Read more about the Everyone’s Business campaign, and support the campaign on Twitter using the hashtag #EveryonesBusiness.