Perinatal Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review and Implications for Clinical Practice
Julia Suwalska1, Maria Napierała2, Paweł Bogdański1
1Department of Treatment of Obesity, Metabolic Disorders and Clinical Dietetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznan, Poland.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic increased depression and anxiety in perinatal women. Early screening and support are crucial for maternal mental health during this crisis.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global mental health.
- Perinatal women represent a vulnerable population susceptible to mental health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify risk and protective factors influencing maternal mental health in this context.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases.
- Analysis of studies reporting on depressive and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- A majority of studies indicated an increased prevalence of depression and/or anxiety symptoms.
- Key risk factors included COVID-19 infection concerns, altered perinatal care, social isolation, and financial difficulties.
- Social support, personal activity, and COVID-19 knowledge were identified as protective factors.
Conclusions:
- Routine mental health screening, including suicide risk assessment, is essential for perinatal women.
- Integrated care models in primary and perinatal services are vital, with referrals for psychiatric consultation, psychological support, or hospitalization when necessary.
- Healthcare providers must offer clear information on COVID-19, care adjustments, and mental health resources, while interventions should promote physical activity and online social engagement.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented to decelerate its spread have consequences for mental health of societies. The aim of our review was to analyze depressive and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women. The search used PubMed and Web of Science databases. Most studies showed an increase in the prevalence of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Risk factors identified in our study were mainly related to the possibility of COVID-19 infection, changes in the organization of perinatal care, social isolation and financial problems. Protective factors included social support, the woman's own activity and knowledge about COVID-19. The results of our study point to the importance of the mental health screening including suicide risk assessment in perinatal women. Much of the mental health needs of perinatal women can be met in primary or perinatal care services; however, women with mental health issues should be offered psychiatric consultations and psychological support, and sometimes urgent psychiatric hospitalization is necessary. Healthcare professionals should provide information addressing uncertainty about COVID-19, organization of midwifery and medical care as well as mental health problems and how to get help. Mental health interventions in pregnant women may involve planning physical activity and encouraging to engage in online social activities.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:29Psychodynamic Therapy
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...