Emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood

Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent can affect how you feel emotionally. Many parents experience stress, worry, low mood, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or difficulties adjusting to life with a new baby. For some parents, these feelings pass with support from family and friends, while others may need additional help.

This section brings together information, advice and support available in Leicester for emotional wellbeing and mental health during pregnancy and the first two years of your child's life. Support is available for mothers, fathers, partners and other caregivers.

How you feel can also affect how you connect with your baby. If you would like information about building your relationship with your baby, visit our connecting with your baby page.

Support is available through NHS services, Family Hubs and community organisations across Leicester. Some parents may only need information and reassurance, while others may benefit from additional support or specialist services.

Your midwife, health visitor or GP can often help you find the right support and are usually a good first point of contact if you have concerns about your emotional wellbeing during pregnancy or early parenthood.

If you or your baby are in immediate danger, or there is a medical emergency, call 999.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, are concerned about your mental health, or feel that you need urgent support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need someone to talk to, you can contact Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.