Table 1 Focus group themes and sub-themes

Perinatal mental health needs

Pregnancy was viewed as a time of experiencing mental health challenges

Mental health concerns were exacerbated by life circumstances

There are a range of emotional and mood challenges in the perinatal period

Social and emotional context impacts mental health

Mental health help currently available

Reliance on informal support

Reliance on self

Accessing services

Mental health help wanted

Mental health needs where not sufficiently met

Outreach services were considered important

Focusing on empowerment oriented support

Peer support

Educational based

Additional services