Mental disorders and the gestational period

Abstract

Introduction: During the gestational period, there are physical, hormonal, social and psychic changes that predispose the occurrence of mental changes. Thus, this study aims to gather data about these changes and point out strategies to minimize or avoid such disorders, enabling a healthy pregnancy period. Methodology: This is a bibliographic review, carried out in the PubMED, Scielo and LILACS databases, using the DeCS: “Mental Disorders”, “Pregnancy”, “Depression”, “Prenatal Care”. Results: 49 articles were included, and of these, the most prevalent mental health changes during pregnancy were depression, anxiety, CMD, pica and dysphoria. The main triggering factors for mental disorders during pregnancy were the pregnant woman's previous history, abortion, high-risk pregnancy, mistreatment and abuse, social vulnerability, and family support. The consequences for the fetus, in addition to affecting child development, also contribute to a worsening of the mother/child relationship, corroborate to impaired postnatal growth, frequent childhood diarrheal diseases, poor social functioning and diseases related to the immune system. Therefore, an approach beyond pathophysiological and organic aspects is necessary. Psychological prenatal care, support groups, relaxation techniques, psychoeducational counseling, support to devise adaptive coping strategies for high-risk pregnancy are also methods with positive results. Conclusion: In addition to the consequences for maternal health, mental disorders can influence the development of the intrauterine and post-birth child and the mother-infant-family relationship. Therefore, intervention with available methods and training of the health team are necessary for a healthy pregnancy.