Pregnant women’s experience of depression care
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 14 March 2016
Abstract
Purpose
Up to 25 per cent of women will experience depression during their pregnancy. Perinatal mental health problems are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, however care provided to women is often a low priority. The purpose of this paper is to explore women’s perspective of care from GPs and midwives, when they experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy.
Design/methodology/approach
Women, with self-reported symptoms of depression, were invited to post comments in response to a series of on-line questions posted on two discussion forums over a nine month period. The questions were related to the care women received from GPs and midwives. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
In total, 22 women responded to the on-line questions. A number of themes were identified from the data including women’s disclosure of symptoms to GPs and midwives; lack of knowledge of perinatal mental health among health providers; attitudes of staff and systemic issues as barriers to good care; anti-depressant therapy and care that women found helpful.
Research limitations/implications
Women often face significant emotional and psychological health issues in the transition to motherhood. This small study indicates women often experience difficulties in interacting with their GP and midwife in seeking help. This research has identified some contributing factors, however more rigorous research is needed to explore these complex issues.
Originality/value
This paper highlights service provision in the care of women with depression in pregnancy.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing. Full costs for the project were made. The Burdett Trust for Nursing had no involvement in the conduct of the research.
Citation
Jarrett, P.M. (2016), "Pregnant women’s experience of depression care", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-05-2015-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited