Perinatal mental health and recommendations for integral care in gyneco-obstetric hospitals

Abstract

Mental health is defined as the ability by which individuals recognize their own abilities and cope with the normal stress of life, work productively and fruitfully, contribute to their communities and enjoy the greatest possible well-being. Therefore, it is essential as a part of the health of the individual and its constant evaluation. Recently, special attention has been drawn to the study of the mental health of women, given the greater probability to suffer depression and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy. The most vulnerable state occurs in adolescence, pregnancy, puerperium and perimenopause; Adequate mental health during pregnancy has shown beneficial effects in the resolution of pregnancy and in the health of the newborn. Regarding this paper, the fundamental aspects in the definition of perinatal mental health were reviewed, its determinants, the main mental disorders in this vital period, its role in perinatal outcomes and the importance of its evaluation. Some basic recommendations for adequate mental health care in gyneco-obstetric hospitals are also proposed.