title: Perinatal psychiatry: infant mental health interventions during pregnancy.
abstract: The authors focus on infant mental health interventions during pregnancy in response to stressors, behaviors, and difficulties experienced by the mother-to-be (as well as by the father-to-be and surrounding family or support system) that are likely to have a negative impact on the growth, development, behavior, and psychological environment of the baby. After summarizing normal tensions and psychological tasks, the authors focus on difficulties during pregnancy: "pathology of destiny," excessive anxiety, domestic violence, fear of becoming a mother, denial of pregnancy, somatic complaints, inadequate weight gain and eating disorders, and depression. The effects of these difficulties on the baby, as well as intervention techniques (including a psychosocial support group), are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Menninger Clinic, Topeka, KS 66601-0829, USA. maldonjm@menninger.edu
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Maldonado-Durán
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lartigue
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feintuch
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011613:Psychotherapy