While all postpartum complications can result in psychosocial implications, some have more psychosocial impact than physical alterations. This chapter compares the different types of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). It defines nursing interventions that are appropriate for the woman who has experienced a pregnancy loss. The chapter shows strategies to foster maternal-infant attachment in infants who experience a prolonged hospitalization. It also discusses psychological implications associated with traumatic birth. PMADs and mental illness are the most commonly occurring complications related to childbearing. Women with underlying mental illnesses are more at risk for the development of symptoms in the postpartum period and warrant additional assessment and monitoring during the postpartum period. The woman who suffers a pregnancy loss requires the same physiological care as other postpartum women with special attention to her psychological and social needs during this difficult time.

This chapter assesses patient and partner history that can impact pregnancy care and outcomes. It describes the components of the prenatal history including calculating the due date. The chapter discusses basic components of the physical examination and psychosocial assessment. It defines procedures for obtaining the fetal heart rate. The chapter shows equipment needs for the initial obstetrical examination. It also shows common medications prescribed during routine prenatal care. The medical history should include a detailed assessment of any health or medical issues the woman or partner has had in the past, along with a detailed review of medication use. The physical examination for an antepartum examination begins with obtaining a complete set of vital signs, a head-to-toe assessment, and a pelvic exam. In general, if the nurse notices alterations in vision or hearing, neurological alterations, in a woman’s mental status, additional targeted assessments in these areas would be warranted.

Psychiatric-mental health professionals need to have a comprehensive knowledge foundation about mental illness and the theoretical underpinnings associated with it. Definitions of theory, as well as theories of mental health and illness, abound. Variation in these definitions can be influenced by or contingent on a number of factors, including the disciplinary and specialty perspective. This chapter provides an overview of various prominent theories of mental illness. Mental health and psychology are associated with numerous theories, such as grand, middle-range, and micro-level theories. The chapter describes the work of influential theorists, researchers, and practitioners from several disciplines, including but not limited to nursing, medicine, and psychology. It presents theoretical concepts and explanations of the potential etiology of mental illness from within the framework of psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, social, humanistic, and biological theory. The chapter includes pertinent definitions, historical background, epidemiological incidence and prevalence rates, and comparative disease burden of mental illness.