We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.
To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
If you have a history of schizophrenia, you should talk to a healthcare professional about planning your pregnancy. They can help you to manage any changes to your medication you may need, and to get any extra support you may need during pregnancy, as well as helping you bond with your baby.
If you have a history of schizophrenia, your health professional will work with the different professionals involved in your care to develop a care plan. You can be referred for specialist mental health support. They can give you advice and information about the risk of your mental health condition returning during pregnancy or after you give birth. The team can create a care plan for monitoring your mental health to make sure you have the right support for your mental health and your relationship with your baby.
A care plan might include:
What help is available to support me and my baby?
Services are available to support you and your baby so that you can be the parent you want to be. These include:
This 1-minute video from Tommy's goes through 5 key things to think about when planning a pregnancy with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia.
1. Keep taking your medication until you have talked to a healthcare professional.
2. Give up substances that could harm you and your baby.
3. Be as healthy as possible: physically and mentally.
4. Think about what support you might need.
5. Know your early warning signs of relapse and share them with those around you.
This video from the Perinatal Mental Health Network Scotland outlines the specialist support available to help you keep well while preparing for pregnancy if you have a mental health condition or have had mental health issues in the past.
You can use this online form to record issues and questions you want to discuss with your midwife, health visitor, family nurse or other healthcare professional. Once completed, you can save it or print it out. Click on the icon below to access the form.
Mental health in pregnancy and after birth (SIGN)