NEW mothers in deprived areas are twice as likely to take their own lives after giving birth, according to new analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych).

Deaths from psychiatric causes, including suicide, account for 34 per cent of all maternal deaths between six weeks and one year after pregnancy. 

Analysis of MBRRACE-UK data found that around one in three suicides among young mothers between 2021 and 2023 occurred in Britain’s most deprived areas, compared to one in eight in the least deprived areas.

RCPsych said new mothers in deprived areas are more likely to experience isolation, financial hardship and abuse.
Dr Livia Martucci of the RCPsych warned that mental illnesses after birth “can develop rapidly — within hours, days or weeks” and said the system was under huge strain due to staff shortages and uncoordinated care.

“This is hitting deprived communities especially hard, where women are already more likely to experience mental ill-health, substance misuse and domestic abuse,” she said.

RCPsych is calling for all new and expectant mothers to have access to specialist perinatal mental health care.

“Early, and continued, intervention can prove lifesaving,” Dr Martucci said.