HOPE Events

‘The Importance of Addressing Mental Health Conditions during Pregnancy’

(Event hashtag: #HopeNov20)

House of Commons, Westminster (UK)

Monday 20th November 2017, 1 pm – 6 pm

Mothers, fathers and families will be sharing their experiences, (along with leading experts) in this high profile international event at the House of Commons (UK Parliament) to discuss myths, facts and realities surrounding mental health conditions during pregnancy.

This event is organised & Chaired by Consultant Obstetrician Dr Raja Gangopadhyay.

Aim

This event aims at raising awareness in the society and remove the stigma.

Who can attend?

This is a public event that anyone can attend. To register your interest, please email: pmhevent2017@gmail.com

Sponsoring MPs

The event is sponsored by Mr Richard Harrington MP (MP For Watford), Mr Tim Loughton MP (MP for East Worthing & Shoreham), and Mr Norman Lamb MP (MP for North Norfolk).

Speakers

  • Sheetal Parmar (Editor, Specialist Programmes for BBC English Regions)

  • Tracy Donegan (Founder & President, GentleBirth, California, USA)

Let’s look at the facts:

  • Worldwide, at least 1 in 10 mothers suffer from mental health conditions during pregnancy (WHO), making this one of the commonest health conditions during this pregnancy.

  • Mental health conditions are still one of the leading causes of death of the mothers in the UK and globally. According to the last Confidential Enquiry into the Maternal death (MBRRACE report), almost a quarter of mothers died due to psychiatric causes. 1 in 7 mothers died of suicide.

  • Many such sad deaths and suffering are preventable if appropriate measures are taken during pregnancy and after childbirth.

  • However many mothers (and families) do not get the support they need during this vital period of life.

  • Many mothers sadly suffer in silence due to stigma, shame, and fear of the baby being removed by the social services.

  • Stress/ poorly controlled mental health conditions during pregnancy can also adversely affect the pregnancy outcomes. This can lead to low birth weight, premature labour, preeclampsia and mental health problems in the unborn child. (Ref)

Acknowledgements

  • Event photographs by Parag Dhanani

  • Volunteers: Katherine Grant, Anwen Evans, Dominic Cushnan, Harriet Sharp, Sucharita Banarjee