One in five women experiences mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. The Cheshire and Mersey Specialist Perinatal Service provides important mental health assessment and support for local women experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues during this time.

Working in partnership as part of a Cheshire and Merseyside-wide service, we have a teams covering Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Wirral.

One-to-one assessment and support:

We provide one-to-one assessment and ongoing support for women who are pregnant or have a baby who is under 24 months, and:

  • Are currently experiencing complex or severe mental health problems
  • Have a history of or are at risk of developing severe or complex mental health problems during the perinatal period, even if they are currently well.

Preconception advice

We offer one-off preconception appointments to provide advice, guidance and signposting to support women who are thinking about or planning to have a baby, who:

  • Have a history of complex mental health problems or are taking medication for mental health problems
  • Are worried about the impact having a baby will have on their mental health
  • Have anxiety around pregnancy, childbirth or becoming a parent.

Phone consultation and advice for health professionals

We provide advice over the phone for any health or social care professionals working with women who are receiving support from primary or secondary mental health services and are either pregnant, planning a pregnancy or have a baby who is under 24 months.

For more information please follow the team on Twitter by visiting the @cmperinatal page.

To access the Cheshire and Mersey specialist perinatal service, please speak to a GP. They will be able to make a referral if they think our service can help.

Monday to Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm (excluding bank holidays)

For out of hours support please call NHS 111, contact your local GP or access the mental health Out of Hours service at your local Emergency Department.