Maternal stress in UK rises, urgent reforms needed for mothers

Published: 28 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A new study shows UK mothers face extreme pressure, with rising maternal stress affecting nearly half of women experiencing anxiety or depression. Research by the pan-European campaign Make Mothers Matter reveals seven out of ten mothers in Britain feel overloaded, exceeding the European average. The survey, covering 12 countries, highlights the ongoing imbalance in household and childcare responsibilities, showing UK mothers continue to shoulder most domestic duties alone while career setbacks remain common. Experts warn that without proper support, maternal stress can have long-term consequences for both mothers and their children.

The survey included 800 mothers from each country, examining psychological impacts of childbirth and motherhood pressures. It reported that 71% of UK mothers feel overloaded, slightly above Europe’s 67% average. Additionally, 47% of respondents face mental health challenges, including burnout, comparable to 50% across Europe. Career disruptions due to motherhood affected 31% of UK mothers, higher than the European average of 27%, though Ireland topped at 36%. Despite these struggles, UK mothers benefit in some areas; only 11% reported partners not taking paternity leave, lower than the 25% European average, and 32% said society fails to recognise their role, below Europe’s 41%.

Prof Alain Gregoire, perinatal psychiatrist and honorary president of Maternal Mental Alliance UK, warned that many mothers are “suffering in silence.” He emphasised that maternal mental ill-health frequently goes undetected despite contact with health visitors, GPs, and maternity staff. Experts insist that accessible talking therapies could significantly reduce maternal stress, providing mothers with non-stigmatised mental health support.

Funding gaps in postnatal care remain a key factor in poor maternal wellbeing, according to experts. Gregoire highlighted Britain’s low spending on early years services compared with northern European countries, leaving mothers unsupported during the critical first five years. Angela McConville, NCT chief executive, emphasised that pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood represent periods of heightened vulnerability requiring reliable, localised mental health services. She warned that fragmented postnatal care, combined with understaffing, leaves mothers isolated at a time when support is crucial, which worsens maternal stress.

McConville advocated community-based peer support for mothers experiencing mild to moderate stress. She argued such initiatives offer practical relief, creating shared spaces for advice, encouragement, and coping strategies. Across Europe, maternal stress and emotional exhaustion have risen since 2011, a trend linked to economic insecurity, blurred work-life boundaries, insufficient childcare infrastructure, and Covid-19’s lasting impact. These factors collectively intensified unpaid caregiving demands, increasing cognitive load for mothers struggling to balance work and family responsibilities.

The report stresses that maternal wellbeing cannot be addressed without systemic reform. Reliable postnatal check-ups, evidence-based guidance, and accessible local mental health services are critical for reducing maternal stress and supporting family stability. Health policy experts insist that government investment must target early intervention, providing preventative support rather than relying on crisis-driven care. Improved awareness, better-funded NHS perinatal services, and routine screening by health professionals are essential steps to address the rising maternal mental health crisis.

In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson reaffirmed commitment to maternal support. They cited NHS provisions, including specialist perinatal services, talking therapies, and guidance from health visitors. Investment in mental health services has increased by £688 million this year, alongside hiring 7,000 extra mental health workers. These measures aim to make therapeutic support more accessible, helping mothers navigate early parenthood while mitigating maternal stress.

While policy improvements are underway, experts argue that cultural change is equally important. Societal recognition of mothers’ contributions, fair distribution of domestic duties, and destigmatising mental health care are crucial for meaningful progress. Without these shifts, many mothers will continue to bear heavy responsibilities alone, with significant implications for personal wellbeing, career progression, and family dynamics.

The survey also highlights broader societal trends: as economic and social pressures mount, UK mothers increasingly face cognitive overload. Early intervention and structured support systems can prevent long-term psychological consequences, reducing maternal stress for families and ensuring children benefit from healthier developmental environments. The report ultimately calls for collaborative action across healthcare, social services, and community networks to strengthen maternal mental health, emphasising that no mother should feel isolated or unsupported during early parenthood.

This research underscores a pressing need for change. Seven out of ten mothers feeling overloaded is a stark reminder that UK policy, healthcare provision, and cultural norms must evolve. Prioritising maternal wellbeing not only alleviates stress for women but also ensures healthier, more resilient families and communities, aligning with Europe-wide initiatives to support early childhood and parental health. Experts urge ongoing monitoring, improved service access, and greater awareness to reduce the mental health burden on mothers across the UK.

Check our latest news