Mental Health and Care for Pregnant Women in Primary Health Care: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the scientific literature on health care and mental health care for women during pregnancy within primary health care (PHC). Methods: This integrative literature review included descriptors in three languages and covered studies published between 2019 and 2023 in the SciELO, MEDLINE, LILACS, Index Psychology - Journal, and BDENF databases. A total of 11 articles were selected. Simple descriptive statistical analysis was performed to establish the quantitative profile, and Bardin Content Analysis was used for the qualitative characterization of the literature and category development. Results: The studies demonstrated that the pregnancy experience is influenced by psychosocial determinants that, when overlooked by the multidisciplinary team, compromise mental health and the development of healthy motherhood. This neglect may hinder the course of pregnancy, mother-infant bonding, and adherence to prenatal care, particularly in contexts characterized by unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, lack of support networks, and situations of violence. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for continuous improvement of care practices in PHC, especially regarding active listening and patient-centered care, multidisciplinary integration in prenatal follow-up, and the adoption of innovative care strategies, such as digital technologies and community-based initiatives that bring health care services closer to pregnant women. Conclusion: Maternal mental health remains under-addressed in primary health care, highlighting a gap in psychological support, the predominance of the biomedical model, and neglect of the psychosocial determinants of pregnancy, reinforcing the urgency of interdisciplinary and humanized practices in maternal care.