DEPRESSION IS NOT JUST IN THE PUERPERIUM: TAKING CARE OF MENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY TOO

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594842416096

• Palavras-chave: pregnancy; depression; care.

• Keywords: pregnancy; depression; care.

• Abstract:

  Depression during pregnancy affects between 10% and 15% of pregnant women, varying according to the country's level of development. In developed nations, rates are between 10% and 15%, while in developing countries they can reach 25%. The prevalence of depression also varies throughout pregnancy, with 7.4% in the first trimester and 12% in the last. The condition is often underdiagnosed due to health professionals' difficulty in distinguishing physiological from pathological symptoms. Symptoms include poor appetite, low energy and feelings of guilt, and can impact on fetal development, increasing the risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia and premature birth. This study seeks to assess the prevalence of depression in pregnancy and identify care strategies, based on an analysis of 22 scientific articles between 2014 and 2024 in which 10 articles were selected. Psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, are preferred for mild to moderate depression, while the use of antidepressants is recommended for more severe cases. However, the availability of treatments varies, especially in developing countries. The study concludes that gestational depression is a global concern and that there is a need for affordable interventions to improve maternal and child health.