The NSPCC and East Lancashire Hospitals Trust (EHLT) have launched a new service to support the mental health of parents-to-be.

Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) is a free NSPCC service for expectant parents experiencing difficulties during 12 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

The initiative helps parents develop coping skills which can help them mitigate the effects of parental worries and feel more confident about the arrival of a baby and help build strong relationships with their child.

Techniques to help participants include mindfulness meditation and active relaxation.

PiM is a virtual service, meaning participants can all attend from the comfort of their own homes while still engaging with other parents-to-be and practitioners.

The free support group normally meets once a week over an eight-week period, with one-to-one chats about wellbeing.

Once the baby has arrived, there will be an opportunity for parents or carers to meet with the practitioner who runs their group to chat individually and discuss wellbeing.

NSPCC North West children’s services practitioner, Melanie Hughson, said: “We’re delighted to launch PiM in East Lancashire.

"We know that perinatal concerns are sometimes overlooked despite a significant proportion of parents experiencing these issues during pregnancy.

"This can make an already challenging time for expectant parents much more difficult.

“We’re so pleased that East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is working with us to tackle this serious issue and we’re very pleased to be working with them to support parents throughout the region.”

Specialist perinatal mental health midwife, Clare Yates, said: “It was wonderful to spend time with the NSPCC team and see first-hand the passion that they share regarding supporting families to achieve their full potential.

"We’ve had really positive feedback from colleagues and we’re really excited to develop this further.”

ELHT, which manages Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Burnley General Teaching Hospital, Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre, Pendle Community Hospital, Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, and Clitheroe Community Hospital, is also working with the NSPCC to share new PiM animations, leaflets and posters locally to highlight the service and ensure families can get the help they need at the right time.

To find out more about Pregnancy in Mind, see the NSPCC website or speak to your Health Visitor, Midwife, GP or health worker.