Methods of working during pregnancy

In this video we examine some of the different methods of working in the antenatal period that are explicitly aimed at promoting the parent’s relationship with the unborn baby or addressing problems that might interfere with the development of that relationship indirectly (e.g. difficulty with reflective functioning) or that could affect the unborn baby directly (e.g. maternal stress).

We start by examining ‘universal’ methods of working (i.e. that are provided to all families) with the aim of promoting wellbeing including, for example, media-based interventions such as websites and apps, and professionally delivered interventions such as Promotional Interviews. We then examine some of the ‘targeted’ methods of working in the antenatal period such as, for example, preparation for parenthood programmes and home visiting programmes (both of which continue into the postnatal period). We conclude by describing some of the ‘indicated’ methods of working to support pregnant women who may be experiencing problems such as antenatal anxiety and/or depression, domestic violence and substance dependency.