The Need for Mental Health Promotion Among Pregnant Women: A Narrative Review to Strengthen the Agenda

Abstract

The perinatal period is crucial in women’s lives in their way toward motherhood. Pregnant women and new mothers are at higher risk for experiencing mental health issues due to a variety of physiological, psychological, cognitive, and social changes. According to current studies among pregnant women and new mothers, anxiety and depression are on the rise, especially in resource-constrained countries. Poor mental well-being during pregnancy is a significant public health issue and the greatest unaddressed health problem in the reproductive health arena. It leads to a range of adverse outcomes for both mothers and children. Apart from short-term morbidity, maternal mental illness has a negative effect on family functioning as well as on infants’ cognitive, physical, social, and behavioral growth. However, maternal mental health problems can be prevented to a large extent, and well-being can be promoted. But in resource-constrained countries, research on preventive and promotion intervention specific to the perinatal period is minimal. The present narrative review poses an agenda to strengthen mental health promotion in pregnant women in resource-constrained nations. The review explores the relevant literature about the significance of maternal mental health promotion, the effectiveness of promotion and prevention strategies, barriers to sustainable mental health, and the way forward.

Keywords:

• Maternal mental health
• pregnant women
• promotion interventions
• prevention strategies
• resource-constrained countries

Acknowledgement

Theres Santy is a recipient of Indian Council of Social Science Research Doctoral Fellowship. Her article is largely an outcome of her doctoral work sponsored by ICSSR. However, the responsibility for the facts stated, opinions expressed and the conclusions drawn is entirely that of the author.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research.

Notes on contributors

Theres Santy

Theres Santy has pursued a postgraduate degree in Health Psychology from the University of Hyderabad, India, motivated by passion, creativity, and empathy. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in Department of Applied Psychology, Central University of Tamil Nadu and has been awarded Doctoral Fellowship by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), 2021–22. She is drawn to reproductive and mental health research that addresses maternal mental health challenges. She is dedicated to promote the mental health of childbearing women via universal prevention and promotion.

Mamman Joseph C.

Joseph C. Mamman is an Assistant Professor in Department of Applied Psychology, Central University of Tamil Nadu. He has worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka and Inter University Center for Disability Studies of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala. He is a Ph.D. holder in Psychology from the School of Behavioral Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala. His research interests are in the areas of maternal mental health, disaster mental health, suicidology, marital adjustment, work–life balance, and counseling.

Lekha D. Bhat

Lekha D. Bhat is with the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, India. She has basic training in Public Health with an MPhil and a doctorate in Social Medicine and Community Health from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her background in public health has created a keen interest in developing a social epidemiological approach in public health. Before joining Central University of Tamil Nadu, she worked as Assistant Professor in Mizoram University for 4 years. Her interest areas are maternal health, adolescent health, a social epidemiological approach in public health, and qualitative methods.