Background and aims: Perinatal psychological problems significantly affect the health of mothers and infants. Assessment of mental health needs during pregnancy can help improve strategies and planning for mothers' mental health. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore perinatal mental health needs.
Methods: The present qualitative research was conducted in Kermanshah city in 2022. The participants were 11 pregnant women selected purposively with maximum variety, and took part in semi-structured interviews. The data collection continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed through a conventional content analysis, simultaneously with the sampling and data collection. Data management was performed in MAXQDA.
Results: The data analysis led to the extraction of five themes: Mental health care (6 categories), Supportive communications (7 categories), Knowledge and skill (3 categories), socioeconomic welfare (5 categories) and professional services (6 categories).
Conclusion: The present study found five aspects of needs concerning pregnant mothers’ mental health. The husband, family, society, specialist doctor and midwives can play important roles in satisfying these needs.