Pregnancy and neonates: postnatal mental health

Indicator

The percentage of women who have given birth in the preceding 12 months who have had an enquiry about their mental health between 4 to 16 weeks postpartum.

Introduction

Women may be vulnerable to mental health problems during the antenatal and postnatal period (defined as up to 12 months after delivery). Recognition of these common conditions and referral for specialist advice when necessary has beneficial effects both for the woman herself and her child.

This statement covers a new indicator that is part of the NICE menu of general practice indicators, following the recommendations of the NICE indicator advisory committee in June 2017.

Resource impact

It is assumed that enquiring about women’s mental health between 4 to 16 weeks postpartum will be carried out during a routine postnatal care appointment and is therefore not expected to lead to any additional costs.

When women with mental health problems are identified earlier and their condition receives earlier management as a result of this indicator, savings are likely because of improved outcomes for both the women and their children.