The Behavior of Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Pregnant Women: A Qualitative Study in China

Abstract This study aimed to understand the mental health status of pregnant women, clarify their needs for psychological help, and identify obstacles in seeking psychological help. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 pregnant women, focusing on sources of psychological stress, expectations for psychological help, and difficulties in seeking psychological help. We distilled five themes: (1) Psychological conditions during pregnancy, which includes stress and emotional fluctuations and anticipations of postpartum challenges; (2) Barriers to seeking help, underscored by societal misconceptions, limited professional access, and varied familial support; (3) Sources of psychological stress, highlighting physical changes, familial and work pressures, and societal expectations; (4) Expectations for psychological assistance, emphasizing the need for professional understanding and societal awareness; (5) Impact of psychological issues on daily life, such as decreased work efficiency and affected social activities. Our conclusion points to a stark reality: Pregnant women in China confront significant psychological stress and face multiple barriers in accessing help. There is an urgent need for enhanced societal understanding and improved access to psychological services for this demographic.