Midwives' illness perceptions of antenatal depression

Antenatal depression (AND) is recognized as a significant issue for many pregnant women. Despite prevalence equal to that of postnatal depression, AND often goes undetected. Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) antenatal and postnatal mental health guidance provides a clear remit for midwives with regard to the prediction and detection of deleterious perinatal mental health. Midwives need to be adequately prepared to take on such a role, yet evidence highlights that midwives lack the knowledge and the confidence to detect mental health problems. This article describes a survey of midwives' knowledge of AND. Fifty-two midwives completed a questionnaire about training, experience and illness perceptions of AND. Findings demonstrated generally poor levels of training and confidence among midwives but good levels of knowledge and appropriate illness perceptions of AND. The findings of this study are reassuring for the successful implementation of the NICE antenatal and postnatal mental health guidelines within maternity services.