The aim of this review is to explore the factors contributing to poor maternal mental health that is prevalent in China and to evaluate what has been done so far, as areas for improvement will be deduced so that recommendations can be given. Some of the factors influencing maternal anxiety in China are: lack of access to appropriate counselling centres, preference for the male child, marital tensions and the low status of women in the Chinese society. Another major factor is the mother in-law versus daughter in-law conflicts which also directly influences antenatal anxiety. The government of China has responded by enacting policies to safeguard the rights of pregnant women and to develop interventions that will improve on their maternal health services with heavy emphasis on mental health services. Further responses include, the capacity building of mental health workers, health promotion, the integration of mental health in Maternal and Child Health and the successful attempts in reducing the gaps in equity. To further improve on these successes, community participation and the expansion of coverage and access of antenatal care services have been recommended.
