How Bad is Maternal Health in Europe & How to Fix It
- A new European study has found high levels of maternal ill health, alongside persistent work-life balance and career penalties, in the UK and mainland Europe.
- Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth develop a mental health issue, in particular depression, according to the world Health...
- A third of mums in Sweden and a quarter of German and British mothers reported depression, while 42% of Spanish respondents said they experienced anxiety in the previous year.
A new European study has found high levels of maternal ill health, alongside persistent work-life balance and career penalties, in the UK and mainland Europe.
How bad is maternal mental health in Europe?
Table of Contents
Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth develop a mental health issue, in particular depression, according to the world Health organization.Make Mothers Matter’s study of nearly 10,000 [exact number 9,600] mums in 12 European countries found that more than two-thirds of the mothers who took part in the survey said they felt mentally overloaded, while over the past year, a third reported anxiety, 20% depression and 18% burnout.
A third of mums in Sweden and a quarter of German and British mothers reported depression, while 42% of Spanish respondents said they experienced anxiety in the previous year.
“The findings shows that mental health strain is the norm, not the exception, especially for mothers with young children, multiple children, low incomes, or single-parent households. Yet, caregiving during early childhood is one of the most powerful determinants of lifelong health and wellbeing,” says Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, director of health systems at WHO/europe.
What is the impact of such levels of overload?
“Mothers’ mental health is deteriorating because they face huge challenges, too often without support and
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Maternal Mental Health: A critical Component of gender Equality
Adequate mental health support for mothers, alongside flexible work arrangements and robust parental leave policies, is increasingly recognized as fundamental to achieving gender equality, rather than being considered optional benefits.
Historically,societal expectations and workplace structures have disproportionately burdened women with childcare responsibilities,leading to increased stress,anxiety,and depression. These factors contribute to gender inequalities in employment, earnings, and overall well-being. Addressing maternal mental health is therefore a key step in leveling the playing field.
A 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10% of women experience depression during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth,significantly impacting both the mother and the child’s development. WHO Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
The Role of Government and Societal Action
Effective intervention requires coordinated action from governments and society to expand mental health services and improve workplace support for caregivers.
The UK’s National Health service (NHS) provides mental health services for perinatal women, but access can be uneven and waiting times can be significant. NHS Perinatal Mental Health Services. Advocates argue for increased funding and integration of mental health support into routine antenatal and postnatal care. The maternal mental Alliance UK continues to lobby for improved services and awareness. Maternal mental Alliance UK
In 2021, the UK government committed £9 million to expand perinatal mental health services, aiming to reach an additional 6,000 women by 2024. Government announces £9 million boost for perinatal mental health services. As of January 2026, progress towards this goal is ongoing, with reported regional variations in service availability.
Flexible work arrangements and strong social connections are essential for supporting mothers and promoting positive child development.
Research consistently demonstrates a correlation between flexible work options (such as remote work, flexible hours, and job sharing) and reduced stress levels among working mothers. This, in turn, can improve maternal mental health and enhance parent-child bonding. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of flexible work,as many mothers were forced to balance work and childcare responsibilities concurrently.
A 2022 study by the Fawcett Society found that 78% of mothers reported that flexible working had a positive impact on their mental health. Fawcett Society Research on Flexible Working and Maternal Mental Health. Moreover, access to community-based mental health services and peer support groups can reduce stigma and provide valuable emotional support.
Long-Term Societal Benefits
Investing in maternal mental health yields benefits that extend beyond individual families, contributing to a more resilient and equitable society.
Children of mothers with untreated mental health conditions are at higher risk of experiencing developmental delays,behavioral problems,and mental health issues themselves. Supporting mothers, therefore, is an investment in the next generation. Improved maternal mental health can also lead to increased workforce participation and economic productivity.
The cost of untreated perinatal mental health problems in the UK is estimated at £8.1 billion per year, encompassing healthcare costs, lost productivity, and social care expenses. LSE Report on the Cost of Perinatal Mental Health Problems. This figure underscores the economic rationale for prioritizing maternal mental health services.
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