MUMS in Worcestershire are being offered support to deal with psychological issues that can occur during and after pregnancy.

Statistics have shown one in five women develop some form of mental illness such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder while pregnant or in the months following childbirth and a report last week by the Centre for Mental Health and the London School of Economics claimed society was paying a “huge cost” for failing to support them.

In an effort to deal with the issue Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s health visiting team have been given special training for staff to better support women suffering with mental health problems.

The team have also set up a group dubbed Time4Mum where new Mums suffering from low mood, stress or depression can meet others in the same position.

Health visitor with the trust – which provides the majority of mental health services in the county –Juliette Fain said it was important new Mums and their families got the support they needed as quickly as possible.

“Pregnancy, childbirth and the first few months after having a baby are often wonderful experiences but they can also be extremely stressful and overwhelming,” she said.

“We see the health visiting service as being really important in providing a range of help which absolutely includes supporting the mental well-being of Mum.”

One Mum who attends the Time4Mum group said: “The group helps me feel normal and makes me realise that I am not the only one feeling like this.”

For more information visit www.hacw.nhs.uk.