PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH: MENINALAB CITIZEN SCIENCE PROCESS TO ESTABLISH RECCOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING HEALTHCARE SERVICES RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING DURING PREGNANCY MENINA4Sustain. Policy Brief 2026

Perinatal mental health is a key determinant of maternal, infant and family wellbeing, yet healthcare services during pregnancy remain fragmented. This policy brief summarizes the results of MENINA4Sustain, a citizen science initiative aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy through participatory co-creation.

The project implemented a citizen innovation lab (MENINALab) in the Elda Healthcare Department (Valencian Community, Spain), involving 25 pregnant women, mothers and healthcare professionals. Through three co-creation sessions, the process identified key barriers at individual, professional, organizational and policy levels, including stigma, lack of information, insufficient training and fragmented care pathways.

MENINALab generated nine co-created solutions addressing gaps in mental health promotion, emotional support and communication during pregnancy. This policy brief presents concrete recommendations for public hospitals and regional health authorities to strengthen perinatal mental health services through integrated, participatory and evidence-informed approaches.