Pre-birth Planning

doi:10.1017/9781911623496.028

Chapter 25 - Pre-birth Planning

from Section 3 - Principles of Perinatal Assessment and Management

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2026

Edited by

Roch Cantwell and

Liz McDonald: Affiliation:
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Roch Cantwell: Affiliation:
Perinatal Mental Health Service and West of Scotland Mother & Baby Unit
Ian Jones: Affiliation:
Cardiff University

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Summary

The pre-birth planning meeting is an essential aspect of the care of any pregnant woman who has a current or previous severe or complex mental illness. It brings together the pregnant woman, her partner and/or other family members and all the professionals involved. The meeting ensures that relevant information is shared so that everyone has a good understanding of the concerns, risks and strengths. At the meeting a perinatal mental health care plan is devised collaboratively. This outlines the woman’s care for the remainder of her pregnancy, her maternity admission for the birth of her baby and for the early postnatal period. It also includes a crisis plan. This process helps all the professionals to work in partnership with the woman and her family and to ensure she and her family have the best possible care and outcomes.

Keywords

Pre-birth planning meeting Severe mental illness Complex mental illness Collaborative care Perinatal mental health Care plan Crisis plan Partnership Family involvement Best care outcomes

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Seminars in Perinatal Psychiatry , pp. 440 - 454
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781911623496.028 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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References

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