Technologies Applied to the Mental Health Care of Pregnant Women: A Systematic Literature Review

• Published in: Revista Brasileira de ginecologia e obstetrícia Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 149 - 158
• Main Authors: Carvalho, Laís Lage de, Teixeira, Júlia Magna da Silva, Unger, Roberto José Gervásio, Motti, Vivian Genaro, Lovisi, Giovanni Marcos, Grincenkov, Fabiane Rossi dos Santos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rua do Matoso 170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 20270-135, Brazil Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda 01.03.2023; Federação Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
• Subjects: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Female; Humans; Mental Health; Mobile Applications; OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Pregnant Women; Prenatal care; Review; Review Article; Technology; Telemedicine; Pregnancy; Telemedicina; Telemedicine; Complicações da gravidez; Mental health; Pregnancy complications; Saúde mental; Prenatal care; Cuidado pré-natal; Gravidez
• ISSN: 0100-7203; 1806-9339; 1806-9339
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768458

Abstract Objective:  This article aims to review the literature regarding the use of technologies to promote mental health for pregnant women. We seek to: understand the strategies that pregnant women use for mental health care. Also, we investigate the existence of scientific evidence that validates such practices. Methods:  This study follows the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. We analyze 27 studies published between 2012 and 2019. We include publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Results:  The results revealed several different possibilities to use technology, including the use of text messages and mobile applications on smartphones. Mobile applications are the most commonly used approaches (22.5%). Regarding the strategies used, cognitive-behavioral approaches, including mood checks, relaxation exercises, and psychoeducation comprised 44.12% of the content. Conclusion:  There is a need for further investigation and research and development efforts in this field to better understand the possibilities of intervention in mental health in the digital age.