[Women's experiences with a pregnancy relapse prevention plan to prevent mental health symptom relaps]

For women with a known psychiatric disorder, the perinatal period carries an increased risk of mental health relapse. Drawing up and using a signal plan for pregnancy and the postpartum period (SPPP) can be an important intervention.

Pregnant women with a mental health diagnosis have an increased risk of relapse and are at risk for the development of postpartum psychopathology. During this period a pregnancy relapse prevention plan (PRPP) can be made that describes the risks, symptoms of relapse and related interventions. The main goal of this study is to describe the lived experiences of women with a mental health diagnosis with making and using the PRPP.

A qualitative study to examine the experiences of women with a mental health diagnosis with making and using the PRPP. Participants were recruited from an outpatient clinic within a ‘Psychiatry and Pregnancy’ mental health institute in the Netherlands. Twelve women with a mental health diagnosis who gave birth participated in this study. Data were collected by individual semi structured interviews supported by a topic list.

Four categories/themes of findings emerged from the data; referral and starting up, making and advantage of the PRPP, care after childbirth, using the PRPP, and cooperation.

The pregnancy relapse prevention plan provide pregnant women overview, predictability and tranquillity on all aspects according to the pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The support and the recognition were appreciated. The signal function of the plan was described as an added value. The involvement of the partner and caretakers were essential.