Pregnant women are not given enough attention to their mental health problems in England, according to the Huffington Post UK.
Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia can begin or increase in pregnant women before or after giving birth.
"Women face a 'postcode lottery' of services because less than half of mental health trusts in England have specialist services for expectant and new mothers," The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) said.
The charity suggests in a recent report that the lives of one in 10 newborn babies across the country could be improved if all new mothers with mental illness had equal access to services.
Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, commented about the report in statement:
This report clearly shows that with the right services, it is possible to prevent the harm caused by maternal mental illness. But opportunities to help many more families are being missed. We have to start treating the mental health of mums and babies with the same importance as their physical health. Pregnancy and the first months of a child's life are critical for their future wellbeing and parents naturally play a vital role. If the Government is serious about giving every child the best start in life it must take action to fill the gaps in services.
Dr. Ian Jones, vice-chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' perinatal section said maternal mental health treatment is often neglected during pregnancy.
"This NSPCC report highlights the need for specialist perinatal mental health services and the postcode lottery that characterizes current provision. We must work to give women and their families the care they require," Jones told the Huffington Post.
According to reports, improving England's mental health services for all in need is a top priority for the Government.
