Medical disorders in pregnancyFree in the app
Perinatal mental health
Ask every woman, at booking and after birth.
Source: NICE CG192 · MBRRACE-UKScreening
| Whooley questions | During the past month, have you often felt down, depressed or hopeless? Little interest or pleasure in doing things? |
|---|---|
| EPDS | 13 or more: probable depression. Any positive answer to item 10 (self-harm) needs same-day assessment. |
Red flags needing urgent senior psychiatric review: sudden change in mental state, new thoughts or acts of violent self-harm, new persistent feelings of being unable to cope as a mother or estrangement from the baby.
Postpartum psychosis
- 1–2 per 1000 births, usually in the first 2 weeks.
- Risk 25–50% with bipolar disorder or a previous episode — plan a review at 32 weeks.
- A psychiatric emergency: same-day crisis team, keep the baby safe.
Breastfeeding: sertraline is the first-choice antidepressant.
A summary for trained clinicians. Always check the full guideline, the patient in front of you and your hospital's protocol. Spotted an error? Tell us.