Postnatal depression affects new mothers; diagnosis gaps exist, impacting care. UK guidelines are under scrutiny as research shows thousands suffer after childbirth.
A consortium of studies led by the University of East Anglia finds childbirth-related PTSD affects up to 1 in 20 new mothers and is often misdiagnosed as postnatal depression. GPs lack practical tools, risking untreated trauma and higher suicide risk in the year after birth. Calls grow for targeted GP training and clearer referral pathways.