Perinatal anxiety (PNA) requires early identification and intervention due to the profound consequences of untreated parental distress. Untreated PNA is associated with significant individual and societal costs, estimated at approximately £35,000 per case¹.

PNA is linked to adverse obstetric outcomes, including increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth^{1, 2,}. It also affects early parent–infant relationships, with evidence of impaired bonding and reduced parental responsiveness^{3, 4,}. Children exposed to ongoing parental anxiety are at higher risk of emotional difficulties (such as anxiety and depression), poorer cognitive development, and problems with emotional regulation^{5, 6,}.

Importantly, even mild to moderate (sub-clinical) anxiety symptoms can be highly distressing and are associated with negative outcomes for both parent and infant⁷. This highlights the need for support that extends beyond thresholds for specialist mental health care.

Early intervention and prevention are essential. Pregnancy inherently carries an increased psychological vulnerability for mood and anxiety disorders, but it simultaneously offers a unique opportunity for preventative measures. Parents are often highly motivated to seek support for their babies’ wellbeing and reduce potential intergenerational family dysfunction. Implementing universal psychosocial assessment is recommended, as it enables care providers to identify mild to moderate symptoms. Targeted interventions can then be offered before symptoms escalate to clinical concern, thereby promoting the long-term wellbeing of parents and babies. Early action not only alleviates parental suffering and improves functioning during this critical family time but also minimises the risk of negative developmental consequences associated with PNA.

As vulnerability to PNA is highest amongst people with multiple risk factors, identifying risk factors early during routine pregnancy care can help to target early support⁸.

Many risk factors are difficult or even impossible to address when identified during pregnancy (e.g., family history of mental health difficulties or age cannot be changed), whilst others can be easily modified (e.g., unhelpful beliefs about motherhood or low parenting confidence)⁸. Several examples of support strategies to mitigate compound risk are outlined below. 

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