When a baby is born, so is a mother — but how often do we truly care for both?
In the UK, we are witnessing a silent crisis: maternal health — both physical and mental — is under unprecedented pressure. Despite our status as a developed nation with an advanced healthcare system, maternal deaths and mental health challenges are rising, highlighting the urgent need to reframe how we care for mothers.
The Current State of Maternal Health in the UK
The UK has long prided itself on high standards of maternity care, yet recent statistics tell a sobering story. According to the MBRRACE-UK 2023 report, the maternal mortality rate in the UK rose to 13.41 per 100,000 maternities — its highest in nearly two decades. Tragically, suicide is now the leading cause of direct maternal deaths within the first year after childbirth.
Mental health concerns are central to this crisis. A recent NHS England report found that 1 in 5 women experience perinatal mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to postnatal psychosis.
So what’s going wrong?
While physical maternity care is often prioritised during pregnancy, emotional and mental wellbeing can be overlooked. This imbalance can have long-term effects — not just for the mother, but for the child’s development and the wellbeing of the whole family.
Why Prenatal Care Is Essential
Prenatal care is about more than scans and check-ups — it’s about building a foundation of safety, health, and support from the very beginning.
Here’s what high-quality prenatal care should include:
● A full medical history and risk assessment
● Blood pressure and urine checks to monitor for complications such as preeclampsia
● Emotional wellbeing screenings and support
● Nutritional and lifestyle guidance tailored to your body’s changing needs
● Information and choices around birth plans and delivery options
● Continuity of care with a trusted GP or midwife
At Premier Private GP, we take time to understand the unique needs of each expectant mother. Whether you’re seeking reassurance, support for a high-risk pregnancy, or simply want the freedom of personalised care, we offer a calm, caring environment where your voice is heard.
The Overlooked Importance of Postnatal Care
Once the baby is born, the spotlight shifts — but this is often the most vulnerable time for new mothers.
The postnatal period is physically and emotionally demanding. New mothers face hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, recovery from birth, and the enormous responsibility of caring for a newborn. Yet many women receive little more than a six-week check-up.
Here’s why comprehensive postnatal care is critical:
● Monitoring for postnatal depression and anxiety
● Breastfeeding support and guidance
● Pain and recovery management, especially after caesareans or complicated births
● Pelvic floor health and gynaecological follow-up
● Lifestyle and sleep support to build resilience
● Space to talk about the emotional impact of motherhood
We understand that no two experiences of motherhood are alike. Our team offers bespoke postnatal check-ups, mental health assessments, and long-term care plans designed to support you through this life-changing transition.
Maternal Mental Health: The Hidden Epidemic
The link between maternal mental health and child development is undeniable. Studies have shown that untreated maternal mental health issues can affect bonding, feeding, and the long-term emotional development of the child.
But this doesn’t have to be inevitable.
Early intervention, open conversations, and consistent professional support can change outcomes entirely. Our mental health services include:
● Compassionate assessments in a non-judgemental setting
● Support for conditions like postnatal depression, PTSD, or anxiety
● Access to referrals for perinatal psychologists or therapists
● Gentle medication management when appropriate
● Practical coping strategies for new parents
What You Can Expect from Private Maternity Care
Choosing private GP-led maternity care means you’re never rushed. We work with you at every stage, from the first test to the final follow-up, creating a space where your health and wellbeing are central.
Whether it’s pregnancy planning, chronic condition management during pregnancy (e.g., thyroid disorders or diabetes), or support after delivery — our team is here to walk with you, not just treat you.
Maternal health is about more than survival — it’s about quality of life, dignity, and joy. By improving prenatal and postnatal care, prioritising mental health, and offering mothers personalised support they deserve, we don’t just protect lives — we enrich them. Because when a mother thrives, so does her child.
