Mental health and pregnancy in Spain

Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and joy; at the same time, this journey can also generate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. At a time when you need to be at your peak, addressing mental health during and after pregnancy is paramount to ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.

In this post, we'll delve into various aspects of mental health and pregnancy in Spain, such as common factors that can contribute to poor mental health during pregnancy, mental healthcare access in Spain, and related coverages from Caser Expat Insurance.

Fears and Doubts During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally, which can trigger a range of fears and doubts. Despite the societal emphasis on motherhood as a joyful experience, mental health disorders during pregnancy are not uncommon. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression.

Common fears include:

• Concerns about the health and safety of the baby
• Worries about childbirth
• Apprehension about body image changes
• Concerns over the birth plan
• Anxiety about parenting responsibilities

In fact, many women feed into the myths about pregnancy, which can cause misinformation and misconceptions. What’s more, hormonal fluctuations, economic stressors, and personal circumstances can exacerbate these fears, leading to heightened stress and anxiety for expectant mothers. According to one study, maternal stress, depression, and anxiety have been linked to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays.

Finally, one of the most common afflictions that mothers suffer after giving birth is postnatal or postpartum depression. It’s often called the “baby blues” and is marked by feelings of sadness upon welcoming your new baby; however, if symptoms last more than two weeks it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider for a full assessment.

Various factors can contribute to the development of mental health disorders during pregnancy, including:

• History of mental illness
• Lack of social support
• Financial strain
• High-risk pregnancy or pregnancy complications
  
  

Open communication with healthcare providers, support from loved ones, and access to mental health resources can act as protective factors against maternal mental health issues.

Access to Treatment and Resources in Spain

Spain boasts a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides universal access to prenatal care. Obstetricians, midwives, and psychologists play key roles in identifying and addressing mental health concerns during pregnancy.

However, while Spain's public healthcare system offers prenatal mental health services, access to specialized care may vary depending on geographic location and resource allocation.

Private health insurance is also available, providing additional support and treatment options for pregnant women with mental health concerns. See the pros and cons of Spain’s public vs. private healthcare for maternity.

Community-based organizations and online resources such as expat networks also play a role in providing information, support, and peer-to-peer networks for pregnant women navigating mental health challenges.

Caser Expat Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Pregnancy

Caser Expat Insurance recognizes the importance of comprehensive healthcare coverage for pregnant women, offering tailored plans that address the unique needs of expatriates in Spain.

Maternity Coverage

Caser maternity insurance includes prenatal care for all maternity appointments, hospitalization, childbirth assistance, and postnatal support, ensuring that expectant mothers receive the care they need throughout their pregnancy journey.

Specific coverages include:

• Assisted reproduction and infertility diagnosis: On-site study, diagnosis, and partner infertility treatment.
• Birth preparation program: Prepare physically and psychologically for the moment you give birth. Including a face-to-face assistant full program guide from a midwife. Starting from the second trimester.
• Harmony Screening Non-Invasive Prenatal Test: Genetic test that analyzes the fetus DNA through a maternal blood test in order to predict the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).
• Post-natal care: Digital assessment of the general condition of the mother and newborn after childbirth, providing tips on baby care, help and advice on breastfeeding, training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, as well as clearing up queries concerning care.
• Family planning: Intrauterine (IUD) treatment and implantation.
  
  

With Caser, pregnant women can access a network of trusted healthcare providers, including obstetricians, midwives, and psychologists, who specialize in maternal and perinatal care.

Psychology Coverage

Caser's commitment to excellence in healthcare extends to mental health support, recognizing the integral role that psychological well-being plays in overall maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.

In addition to comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care, Caser Expat Insurance offers coverage for psychological support during pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a time of heightened emotional vulnerability, and expectant mothers may benefit from professional counseling or therapy to address anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

For example, Caser offers 15-20 individual psychology sessions per insured person per year. The prescription of a medical professional from our medical directory if licensed experts is always necessary.

Caser Healthcare Policies

Delving deeper into the individual Caser healthcare policies, there are 7 different plans you can choose from that offer varying degrees of maternity and psychology cover. Some feature co-payments, reimbursement, or simply a monthly premium.

• Inicia: The best option for first-time policyholders, featuring a mix of affordable premiums and copayments.
• Médica: This policy complements Social Security insurance, and the first ten copayments per person are free of charge.
• Activa: Coverage for active people with coverage on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• Integral: Family insurance plan with few copayments, and a dental insurance add-on.
• Adapta + Sonrisa Esencial: Comprehensive insurance with dental cover and zero copayments.
• Adapta for Residency Permit: Health insurance with no co-payments for visa and residency.
• Prestigio: A comprehensive healthcare plan that offers worldwide cover and personalised assistance, with reimbursement up to 90% of costs.
  
  

With Caser Expat Insurance coverage for mental health and pregnancy in Spain, pregnant women can access comprehensive healthcare and support services tailored to their unique needs. By prioritizing mental health and offering personalized care, Caser empowers pregnant women to navigate the joys and challenges of pregnancy with confidence and resilience. Together, we can nurture mental health through pregnancy and ensure a brighter, healthier future for mothers and their children in Spain.