Our conference, Begin Before Birth, spotlighted various important, interesting and sometimes sensitive issues relating to mental health for expectant mothers and their children.
^ Conference chair, Professor Vivette Glover.
Overall, the lectures conveyed the great potential for improvement in addressing pressing problems in perinatal care.
Another theme was long-lasting impact of the health of a fetus during pregnancy on the grown-up individual, including his or her fertility. This was illustrated in Professor Robert Winston’s introduction to the conference, which referenced data from an isolated Swedish town showing a shortage of food impacted longevity of grandchildren. Another example discussed was the long-lasting effects of domestic violence during pregnancy. The long-lasting effect on pregnancy was exemplifies with a personal account of childhood sexual abuse.
40% of women who have suffered child sexual abuse have a flashback during labour. For 9.7%, this is the first time they have had a flashback of it.
— Symposium Office (@SymposiumOffice) June 27, 2019
A more uplifting report followed, demonstrating the application of communal singing as a means to reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy.
The final lecture made the case that postnatal depression, as a larger cause of maternal deaths than physical medical conditions, ought to be higher on health policy agendas.
Depression in maternity: the elephant in the room and the odd man out. Extremely common (even in high income countries), complex to treat, often services not even available, but discriminated against for being a mental health issue. – Dr Alain Gregoire pic.twitter.com/5jcw2aLlPu
— Symposium Office (@SymposiumOffice) June 27, 2019
There are 13M women with perinatal depression right now.
“There is a huge disconnect between women’s experience, clinical experience, and academic work” – @doctoralaing at Begin Before Birth pic.twitter.com/RgAsLv0igp
— Symposium Office (@SymposiumOffice) June 27, 2019
The event was warmly received by delegates:
On going positive contribution to improvements in #perinatalmentalhealth care across the world. Quality research, global perspectives and lived experience shared with an international audience at #BeginBeforeBirth today @SymposiumOffice @2SeasPATH @iHealthVisiting @melita_walker pic.twitter.com/TAHrJsOOGy
— Rachael Parker (@RachPHealthy) June 27, 2019
Excellent conference also highlighting that much can be done if we begin treating before birth!!! #maternity #MentalHealthMatters https://t.co/l1KUpshgIf
— Karen Joash (@karenjoash) June 28, 2019
Amazing talk by @vivetteg. Attributable load of neurodevelopmental problems due to prenatal stress is 10-15%. Evidence to suggest that adverse outcomes can be mitigated by factors such as stroking the baby, exclusive breastfeeding and sensitive early mothering. #BeginBeforeBirth
— Alexandra Lautarescu (@AleLautarescu) June 27, 2019
The most powerful presentation I have ever received from #MichelleWright ‘the long-standing effects of child abuse during pregnancy’ #traumainformed approach. A must for maternity care and birth planning. #BeginBeforeBirth @SymposiumOffice @iHealthVisiting @vivetteg
— Rachael Parker (@RachPHealthy) June 27, 2019
The event was live streamed, tripling the audience. We were delighted to have viewers in all continents of the globe, and to receive questions from them via Twitter.
The lectures remain available online for delegates, and access can be purchased via the Symposium Office website.