Perinatal Essay Complete

The purpose of this essay is to examine the importance of screening the expectant mother for mental health issues in the perinatal period. It will also examine one of the 10 Shared Capabilities and link this to the screening process. The Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health (2012), explains that perinatal mental health are problems that complicate pregnancy and the postpartum year. They go on to explain that “childbirth is associated with substantial psychiatric morbidity and it is known to increase the risk to the woman’s mental health and their condition may deteriorate as the pregnancy progresses”. The purpose of screening tools in the perinatal period is imperative to maintain good mental health throughout pregnancy and the perinatal and antenatal period. Screening tools are used to give indications to the healthcare professionals, (this includes obstetricians, midwives, health visitors and G.Ps) on any changes in the woman’s mental health. It will also give insight into the woman’s life, is she coping? Is she getting sufficient support? What are her support networks? Is the baby getting the correct care required from the mother? Hanley (2009) explains that “one of the key factors in the prevention of postnatal depression and other mental health issues is the early detection of the condition and in most instances the onset of mental ill health is gradual and may make it difficult for the woman to see any problems”. There are many screening tools used, however I will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC). Of the Ten Essential Shared Capabilities for Mental Health Practice I will be linking to the importance of screening tools in the perinatal period will be “Working in Partnership”. The Department of Health (2004) explains what the health care professional should implement for this