MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE GESTATIONAL PERIOD: CHALLENGES, RISK FACTORS AND CARE STRATEGIES IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the main challenges related to mental health during pregnancy, identifying risk factors and care strategies developed within public health services. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, based on scientific studies published between 2020 and 2026 and indexed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The findings revealed that pregnancy, although often associated with happiness and fulfillment, also represents a period of significant emotional vulnerability. Factors such as socioeconomic vulnerability, domestic violence, lack of family support, unplanned pregnancy, and previous mental disorders were identified as important determinants for the development of anxiety, depression, and other forms of psychological distress. Furthermore, the relevance of Primary Health Care and multidisciplinary teamwork in promoting reception, humanization, and comprehensive care for pregnant women was highlighted. It is concluded that strengthening public policies, professional qualification, and expanding emotional support strategies are essential for promoting maternal mental health and improving the quality of prenatal care..