Psychosocial impact of high-risk pregnancy: hospital and home care.
This article has reviewed research on the psychosocial impact of high-risk pregnancy on women undergoing antepartum hospitalization or home care, and discussed implications for health care professionals arising from the results of these studies. It is evident that high-risk pregnancy is very stressful for pregnant women and their families, irrespective of the setting of care. However, hospitalization seems to be associated with a greater number of stressors, the most predominant being separation from home and family. Wherever possible, health care professionals should strive to develop safe and acceptable alternatives to antepartum hospitalization.
Heaman
M
M
St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D014481:United States