Pre-conception Appointments
We provide a specialist service to women living in Devon (except Plymouth) who are planning to conceive in the future and have a complex or severe mental health condition or have previously experienced severe mental health difficulties after birth.
How can I access the service?
Your maternity professionals, GP, Health Visitor, Mental Health Care Professional or social services can refer you to the services by contacting your local Perinatal Mental Health Service.
If you consider your mental health needs require an urgent response we recommend you contact the out of hours services on 111.
How will I know if the service is right for me?
If you have a moderate to severe mental health condition, for example:
- You have diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or moderate to severe anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder or depression
- You have experienced severe postnatal mental illness such as postpartum psychosis or severe postnatal depression
- Other women in your close family have experienced severe postnatal mental health difficulties
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
If a consultation is required we aim to see everyone within 4 weeks of referral. The appointment will take around 60 - 90 minutes and you can bring someone with you to the appointment if you wish.
What we offer?
- Face to face consultation with a specialist perinatal psychiatrist or pharmacist who has experience of how mental health difficulties and pregnancy/childbirth interact
- Specialist advice personally tailored for you which takes account of your difficulties, including your risks of becoming mentally unwell during pregnancy or after delivery and interventions to help reduce the risks of becoming unwell.
- Specialist advice about medication/other treatments which are used for mental health reasons, prior to conceiving, whilst pregnant and whilst breastfeeding
- Physical health and lifestyle support to improve the chances of getting pregnant and supporting a healthy pregnancy, including the option of input from our physical health lead midwife.
- A plan of care to follow if you do become pregnant
Where will you be seen?
We offer appointments in a number of different locations including mental health wellbeing hubs or online depending on your preference. We will ask you to complete a questionnaire ahead of the appointment so we can focus on what is most important to you.
Referrals to the team
Your maternity professionals, GP, Health Visitor, Mental Health Care Professional or social services can refer you to the services by contacting the appropriate team on the numbers or email below. We are not able to accept self-referrals.
Useful Websites
- Tommy’s Planning a Pregnancy
- Royal College of Psychiatrists - Planning a pregnancy - Information Leaflet
- NHS Trying for a Baby
- Medication information in pregnancy
The Pre-conception Appointments leaflet is available on the perinatal mental health resources page.