Supporting Maternal Mental Health at Work

This week (4 to 10 May 2026) is Maternal Mental Health Week, which aims to raise awareness of mental health problems before, during, and after pregnancy.

When it comes to workplace practices related to pregnancy and maternity, the focus is often (and rightly) on the employee’s physical health and their maternity or other leave entitlements. However, while most people are aware of postnatal depression, poor mental health when trying to conceive, navigating fertility treatment, and during pregnancy is often less recognised.

Maternal mental health conditions such as pre- and post-natal depression, anxiety, or pregnancy-related stress are capable of amounting to a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (EA), as the definition of disability includes both physical and mental impairments. Provided that the condition has a substantial and long-term impact on an employee’s ability to carry out their normal day-to-day activities, that employee will be considered disabled under the EA. The EA prevents discrimination against employees because of their disability, or something arising in consequence of it, and in certain circumstances places a duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments to support employees. Even if an employee is not disabled under the EA, employers who fail to adequately support employees suffering from poor maternal mental health risk other types of claims, such as constructive unfair dismissal or even personal injury claims.

Aside from the legal obligations, employers can and should foster a supportive and healthy work environment by providing genuine support to employees who might be impacted by maternal mental health issues. They can do this by encouraging a culture of open dialogue, training managers to recognise the signs of poor mental health, allowing (where possible) flexibility before and after a return from leave, and promoting a healthy work–life balance. Most employers, now recognising the importance of good mental health more generally, are likely already taking some of these steps already – but it does not hurt to look out for those who might be acutely suffering due to conditions linked to fertility issues, pregnancy, or early motherhood.

While primarily aimed at those affected, the Maternal Mental Health Alliance website has useful resources to help recognise the signs and symptoms of maternal mental health conditions, as well as offering practical guidance and tips.

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