Pregnancy mental health clinic: an experience report

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy involves significant biopsychosocial changes and, while often experienced positively, it can also be accompanied by anxiety and emotional distress. In response to these challenges, the Mental Health in Pregnancy Clinic at CAISM/UNICAMP was restructured and expanded in 2022. Objective: To provide interdisciplinary mental health care for pregnant women experiencing psychological distress or mental disorders. Methodology: This is an experiential report from a team including a psychiatrist, psychiatry and gynecology-obstetrics residents, a psychologist, a social worker, training program professionals, and nursing staff. Based on the team's perceptions of demands and patient needs, a care flow was established to enhance communication among professionals and expedite service. Results: The flow emphasized the importance of recognizing mental suffering in prenatal care and collaboratively addressing emotional, social, and psychiatric issues faced by pregnant women. Upon detecting psychological distress during prenatal consultations, discussions and/or appointments with the psychologist, social worker, and psychiatrist are scheduled, with follow-ups throughout pregnancy and two postpartum visits. Joint consultations between psychiatry and gynecology-obstetrics residents enhance the training of more sensitive and capable professionals regarding mental health issues in pregnancy, reaching 280 pregnant women during this period. Conclusion: The adopted care model promotes humanization, comprehensive care, and shared responsibility among the prenatal team in managing mental health issues, thus improving the quality of care provided to pregnant women.