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Cited by 37Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and PostpartumMaternal and Neonatal HealthcareMaternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Psychosocial Impact of High-Risk Pregnancy: Hospital and Home Care

HEAMAN, MAUREEN·1998·Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
DOI 10.1097/00003081-199809000-00017
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Abstract

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the woman has a problem or condition, either physiologic, social, or emotional, that threatens maternal or fetal health and produces an increased chance of morbidity or mortality. Murphy and Robbins describe two major types of high-risk pregnant women: those who have chronic conditions that predispose them to problems during pregnancy, and those who develop an unanticipated complication during a previously normal pregnancy.1 Women who know themselves to be at risk because of a chronic condition (such as diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, or chronic hypertension) may have expected the need for close supervision during their pregnancy, including additional clinic visits and possible hospitalization. For these women, being hospitalized or put on home care may not be associated with a particularly high level of crisis, although they may be anxious about the impact of their condition on fetal outcome.2 The best predictor of adaptation to high-risk pregnancy in women with a pre-existing health problem is their adaptation to the chronic condition. Conversely, women who are unexpectedly hospitalized or placed on bed rest at home for complications that arise during pregnancy usually experience a high level of crisis. This is especially true if the condition threatens the life and well-being of the mother and/or fetus, such as preterm labor or antepartum hemorrhage.1 These women are not prepared for development of a complication and often react with feelings of anger, disbelief, fear, and anxiety.3 Feelings of blame, guilt, or failure can disrupt family equilibrium, and make the pregnancy even more difficult. These women need time to grieve for the loss of a formerly healthy self and for hopes of a normal pregnancy.1 A high-risk pregnancy can be very stressful for the pregnant woman and her family, resulting in a significant psychosocial impact. High-risk pregnancy imposes many restrictions on the pregnant woman, including changes in her eating habits, sleeping, homemaking, child rearing, sexuality, and social and recreational activities, as well as disruptions to work-related activities or career plans. These changes also affect the living patterns of other members of the family.4 The usual processes of adaptation to pregnancy are disrupted because the woman must cope with altered developmental tasks created by the stress of her high-risk pregnancy and the uncertainty of attaining motherhood.5 This article will review research on the psychosocial impact of high-risk pregnancy on women undergoing antepartum hospitalization or antepartum home care. The implications for care of high-risk pregnant women and their families will be discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1097/00003081-199809000-00017

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Authors
HEAMAN, M.
Affiliations
St. Boniface Hospital (CA)
Corresponding author
HEAMAN, MAUREEN
ORCID
HEAMAN, MAUREEN
Venue
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published
1998-09
Volume
41
Issue
3
Pages
626-639
ISSN
0009-9201 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1097/00003081-199809000-00017
OpenAlex
W2331677009
Cited by
37
References
32
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 3
FWCI
0.19
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
Keywords
high-risk pregnancy, psychosocial impact, maternal stress, antepartum hospitalization, adaptation to chronic illness, pregnancy complications, maternal anxiety, family breakdown, coping, maternal and fetal health
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Female, Home Care Services, Hospitalization, Humans, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, United States, Pregnancy, High-Risk

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