Work

Case Report: Using primary care behavioral health to address routine nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and prenatal psychosocial concerns

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) often go undertreated due to several reasons including medication costs, patient hesitancy, underestimation of NVP by healthcare professionals, and their reluctancy to treat pregnant patients. Case: A 24-year-old primigravida with severe NVP and stress-related concerns received behavioral health consultation integrated into prenatal care via the Primary Care Behavioral Health model. Intervention: The patient engaged in brief behavioral strategies including supportive contact, diaphragmatic breathing, prayer, music, and mindfulness techniques across four consultations. Outcome: Symptom improvement was observed during the course of behavioral support. Conclusion: This case supports Primary Care Behavioral Health integration into prenatal care as a feasible, cost-effective adjunct to routine medical interventions, particularly in underserved communities. Limitations: Meaningful clinical conclusions cannot be made due to the nature of this being a case report and to the confounding nature of NVP typically resolving by the second trimester. Further investigation is warranted.

Source: Frontiers in Global Women s Health

DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2025.1646765