In 2014, we ran the first UK study to work out the long-term costs of perinatal mental health problems for mothers and children. The findings showed how costs fall on government, individuals, and society. This evidence informed new investment in specialist services and shaped policy in other high-income countries.

Since then, we’ve worked with partners in Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, and Thailand to adapt this approach and generate local cost estimates, even where data is limited.

To support wider use in low- and middle-income countries, we developed the Cost Calculator Tool. It allows you to:

• Work out the long-term costs of perinatal mental health problems
• Use local data where available
• Test assumptions and update estimates as new evidence emerges

We work closely with local experts and stakeholders to fill data gaps, reflect local context, and share findings in meaningful ways. This approach works well across diverse settings.

At least 1 in 5 women worldwide experience mental health problems during the perinatal period – from pregnancy up to two years after birth. In some low- and middle-income countries, rates are even higher. As many as 1 in 2 women may be affected, with even higher rates in regions affected by conflict or major environmental stresses.

Without the right support, poor maternal mental health at this critical time can have serious and lasting effects on both mothers and children. Some of these impacts can be measured in economic terms. Supporting perinatal mental health is now widely recognised as key to achieving global goals around maternal health, gender equality, child development, and economic growth.

Mental health and poverty are closely linked, particularly in resource-poor settings. Women in these contexts face a higher risk of perinatal mental health problems, often driven by gender-based violence, threats to livelihoods, and limited access to care. Around 1 in 10 women experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide during the perinatal period.

These challenges also affect children, increasing the risk of:

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Serious illnesses in infancy (such as diarrhoea, asthma, and infections)
• Developmental delays (stunting and wasting)
• Mental health problems

Many of these issues have significant economic consequences for governments, families, and society through healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life.

Cost evidence from the Cost Calculator Tool shows the scale of these impacts. It shows how costs fall on governments, individuals, and communities, and how they relate to the wellbeing of mothers and children. By showing the cost of inaction and the potential savings from prevention and early treatment, these findings can inform investment decisions in settings with limited resources.