This project took place at our Edinburgh centre which operated between 2008 and 2021.
Why do we need this research?
Struggles with mental health are common during pregnancy. Depression and anxiety can have effects on the health of both a mother and her baby, and mental health problems are the fourth most common cause of maternal death. Despite this, depression during pregnancy often remains untreated; many drugs aren’t safe to use during pregnancy, and there simply aren’t enough relevant mental health services. We want this to change.
What is ‘Enjoy Your Bump’?
Researchers supported by Tommy’s have developed an online package specific for pregnancy called ‘Enjoy Your Bump’. It uses techniques based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This is a type of therapy that helps people to manage their mental health issues by changing the way they think and act. The tool is easy to use and can be accessed on a tablet, smartphone, computer or even a Kindle.
Our researchers tested the ‘Enjoy Your Bump’ tool in a small pilot study that involved women who were identified at their first midwife appointment as being at risk of developing depression. In the pilot study, the team found that ‘Enjoy Your Bump’ reduced depression and anxiety in these women.
The feedback from women about ‘Enjoy Your Bump’ has been very positive:
“It made me realise I'm not alone”
“Practical and thought-provoking course”
“Made me re-evaluate my priorities and the way I see things”
What’s happening with the project now?
The team were planning on finding out more about what women and healthcare professionals thought of ‘Enjoy your Bump’ before carrying out a larger, national trial of the tool. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the number of pregnant women experiencing anxiety and depression, meaning that it was more important than ever for women to have access to the best possible treatments to improve their mental health. Our researchers therefore changed their plans and have instead rolled out ‘Enjoy your Bump’ as part of a research study in the Lothian region of Scotland. The team are currently assessing the mental health of all women taking part in the study at three different time points: before using the tool, after completion, and 6–12 weeks after giving birth. The researchers hope that the tool will improve feelings of low mood and anxiety during pregnancy, while also giving women the skills they need to manage their mental health after the birth of their child.
What difference will this project make?
If successful, this project could provide pregnant women across the UK with a new online tool to help them deal with depression and anxiety, improving wellbeing for them and their babies.
Get our research updates
Tommy's funds research across the UK investigating the reasons for pregnancy complications and loss. If you're interested in being kept updated about our research and news from Tommy's, click here.
