Released to coincide with Maternal Mental Health Week (5–11 May), a new survey of over 1,300 new and expectant mums from the BabyCentre UK community reveals that three out of four have experienced maternal mental health struggles – yet many still suffer in silence.
The research highlights the emotional burden shouldered by UK mums and the pressing need for improved mental health support within healthcare services and society as a whole.
* 78% of respondents say UK mental health support falls short after birth
* 3 out of 4 expectant and new mums have experienced mental health struggles
* Only 1 In 5 UK mums feel supported by the healthcare system in maternal mental health
* 7 in 10 UK mums are sleep-deprived and struggling in silence
While sleep deprivation (70%), financial concerns (45%) and loneliness (41%) were commonly reported, 6 out of 10 mums are talking themselves out of seeking help, due to their ‘fear of being judged’. Nearly half admitted they didn’t ask for support because they believed their problems ‘weren’t serious enough’.
The role of social media: supportive or stressful?
Social media plays a dominant and complex role in modern motherhood. 48% of respondents said it was a helpful source of advice and support, with 1 in 4 saying it connected them with other parents who ‘understood’, but by comparison, a quarter felt isolated by it.
The myth of the ‘perfect parent’ continues to take its toll. 37% of mothers said they feel under constant pressure to meet impossible standards, making it harder to admit vulnerability or ask for help.
On this topic, registered psychological practitioner Dr Angharad Rudkin says: “For many, scrolling through idealised snapshots of parenting – tidy homes, smiling babies, and flawless routines – contributes to self-doubt and the sense that they aren’t ‘doing enough’. At the same time, online communities, support groups and the connectivity that social media presents, are a lifeline for others who found connection and reassurance in the shared realities of motherhood. It’s a double-edged sword of positivity versus negativity.”
The hidden challenges of parenthood
When asked about the most difficult and least-discussed aspects of motherhood, the biggest mental challenge is the loss of identity and independence (47%). Additionally:
* 42% highlighted emotional outbursts and feelings of rage
* 39% said they felt like they had drifted apart from their partner, or don’t have time for their relationship anymore
* 39% shared fears around returning to work and balancing a career with parenting
This suggests that many of the biggest emotional challenges are still not openly acknowledged, leaving mothers feeling alone in their experience.
Support still falling short?
When it comes to seeking professional help, many mothers say the support simply isn’t there when they need it most. Of those who had turned to the NHS or other healthcare services for maternal mental health support, just 22% felt properly supported. A resounding 78% said more needs to be done to meet the emotional and mental health needs of new and expectant mothers in the UK.
In addition, 54% said they feel a frequent pressure to appear as though they’re coping, even when they are not. Only 18% felt comfortable being honest about their struggles.
Conversations around loss are still lacking
The survey also explored how mothers feel about the way pregnancy loss, especially miscarriage before 24 weeks, is discussed and supported. The results reveal a lingering stigma and a lack of clarity around workplace rights and emotional support.
32% said they believe miscarriage remains a taboo subject and a topic that’s still avoided, despite how common it is. For many, this silence adds to the emotional burden of grief.
A clear lack of awareness about employment rights was also apparent, with over half admitting they didn’t know their workplace’s policy on pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for clearer communication and consistent practices.
Significantly, 14% said most workplaces don’t offer enough time or support for grieving parents, with 19% believing that there should be statutory bereavement leave for pregnancy loss, regardless of how early in gestation it occurs. This reflects a growing call for recognition, empathy and time to grieve, not just at a personal level but in law and workplace policy too.
Faye Mingo, chief growth officer at BabyCentre, says: “We hear from so many women who feel like they have to hold it all together – when behind the scenes, they’re exhausted and overwhelmed. Overall, these figures highlight that many women are suffering quietly. It’s concerning that so many feel their distress isn’t valid enough to reach out for help. We need to normalise honesty over perfection and make sure every mum knows it’s okay to not be okay. Here at BabyCentre, we’re working hard to ensure we reflect real life and offer meaningful support across all our channels – this is something that’s really important to us as a brand. But there’s also a role we all have to play in supporting new parents, and that starts with creating space for openness and empathy.”
For advice and support, visit the BabyCentre website.
