What Can I Expect During a Mental Health Screening for My Prenatal Care?

Pregnancy puts unique stresses on your mental health. You might need to change your lifestyle or behaviors during your pregnancy. And then there are worries about the future! The new set of associated stresses and pressures that come with pregnancy can be complex to handle, especially if you have had or are currently dealing with mental health struggles.

At Longoria OBGYN, expert provider Dr. Leonardo Longoria and our team support your mental and physical health throughout the entire duration of your pregnancy. We offer understanding, personalized pregnancy care to new and existing patients in the El Paso, Texas, area.

Dr. Longoria incorporates mental health screenings into the comprehensive prenatal care he provides to each of his patients. You can expect knowledgeable advice and expertise and a nonjudgmental approach from Dr. Longoria’s and our team.

Why mental health care matters during pregnancy

Bringing a baby into the world isn’t easy, especially if you live with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Worry and anxiety are common issues during pregnancy, and can worsen existing mental health symptoms.

Maternal stress affects both mother and child during pregnancy. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, you may not get the care you need during your pregnancy, or you may self-medicate using drugs or alcohol, both potentially harmful to your baby, as well as to yourself.

Mental health screenings and your prenatal care

Dr. Longoria provides comprehensive prenatal care, including regular mental health screenings and checkups. He typically sees you once a month in your first trimester, and more frequently as your pregnancy continues. If you have unique mental health or other care needs, you may see Dr. Longoria more frequently.

Dr. Longoria screens all of his patients for mental health as part of regular prenatal care. These screenings aren’t done to stress you out or subject you to judgment, but to ensure that you’re getting all the physical and mental health support you need during your pregnancy.

Dr. Longoria asks you about your mental health and wellness and helps you put together a care plan to keep you feeling balanced. He may ask about depression, anxiety, worry, and interpersonal stress, as well as your diet, sleep habits, medication, and any recent substance use.

Let Dr. Longoria know about any medications you’re taking. If you already have a mental health condition, you may need to adjust your medication during your pregnancy. Dr. Longoria helps you work out a plan for medication management during your pregnancy.

Talk therapy, yoga, meditation, exercise, and aromatherapy are all great ways to handle the stresses and mental health troubles that often accompany bringing a child into the world. Dr. Longoria can help you access support groups and other non-pharmaceutical mental health resources for expectant mothers in your community.

For the holistic, compassionate care you need for your mind and your body during your pregnancy, contact Dr. Longoria. Schedule an appointment at Longoria OBGYN online or over the phone today for your first prenatal care session.