Technologies Applied to the Mental Health Care of Pregnant Women: A Systematic Literature Review - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

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.