antenatal screening programme
Psychiatric illness
Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem (or psychiatric illness) at some point in their lives. Mental illness can affect a person's daily life, relationships or physical health.
Read more about mental health problems in pregnancy on the NHS website.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in April 2019.
Screening for antenatal and postnatal mental health in pregnancy and new mothers is not recommended. This is because:
- the accuracy of the screening tests is unclear
- there is no clear guidance on the best way to treat different mental health problems before and after birth
Antenatal screening should be offered to women who have a history of psychiatric illness.
Supporting documents from the 2019 review
Evidence summary antenatal and postnatal mental health (2019)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.
UK NSC coversheet & consultation responses antenatal & postnatal mental health (2019)
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.
Review cycle
Date previous review completed: 2019
Next review estimated to be completed: 2022 to 2023.
To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.
Organisations interested in Psychiatric illness
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services
- Faculty of Public Health
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Royal College of Physicians
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
- The British Psychological Society
If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.