New care challenges: detection of anxiety in pregnant women at risk

Pregnancy is considered a period of well-being and happiness in a woman's life. However, these expectations are occasionally disrupted by maternal and/or foetal problems, and situations of vulnerability develop. The evidence suggests that pregnancy-related anxiety is strongly associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes such as pospartum depression, premature birth, low birth weight, and health and mental development problems in childhood. On the other hand, it is evident that obstetric and perinatal complications increase the risk of pospartum anxiety and depression while anxiety levels increase as the gestational risk increases. Current recommendations about the care and treatment of mental health problems in women during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery are aimed at recognition, evaluation, care and treatment, ensuring continuity of care. The aim of this study was to recognise anxiety in pregnant women at risk, from the definition of model cases, in order to enhance critical thinking in both health professionals and pregnant women and thus improve the care of these patients.