Aquanatal classes for perinatal mental illness in pregnancy

Introduction

Mental health illness in pregnancy affects up to 27% of the population (Howard et al 2018). There are a variety of interventions to support women with perinatal mental illness. Treatment often includes pharmacological or psychological support; however, pregnant women often prefer non-medicated management (O'Mahen & Flynn 2008^, Goodman 2009) and NHS psychotherapy has extensive waiting times (Parker et al 2008). Research has shown that women often stop taking medication when they discover they are pregnant out of concern for its effect on their unborn baby, or due to fear of the stigma associated with mental illness (Peterson et al 2011). The need for further treatment and support options for women with mental illness in pregnancy has been highlighted in recent years and therefore needs further exploration.