Desafios na assistência de enfermagem à saúde mental das puérperas.

Abstract

To identify, through the literature, the challenges faced in nursing care for the mental health of postpartum women. Method: This study adopts an integrative literature review. The formulation of the guiding question and the definition of the theme were carried out based on the PICOS strategy. A bibliographic survey was carried out in the months of July to August 2024, in the scientific database: Virtual Health Library (VHL), which has recognized databases such as: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Spanish Bibliographic Index in Health Sciences (IBECS), and in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), using the descriptors registered in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): “Mental Health”; “Postpartum Period”; “Nursing” and “Nursing Care”, in order to obtain a greater approach of studies corresponding to the theme, mediated by the Boolean operator AND. Of the 643 articles found, 154 were read in full, since 489 were duplicates, and in the end, 12 were selected for the study. Results: One of the main challenges in nursing care for the mental health of postpartum women is the identification and diagnosis of mental disorders, which are often complicated by the overlap of typical symptoms of the postpartum period. Studies show that the perception of signs and symptoms of mental distress can be impaired by the erroneous idea that such manifestations are normal or transitory, limiting the ability of health professionals to recognize and adequately treat more serious conditions. It is essential that the specialist nurse identifies imbalances and complications that may differ from what is considered physiological and healthy during pregnancy. Problems associated with pregnancy, such as high levels of anxiety and difficulties in adapting to parenthood, are frequently observed, especially in highly complex cases. Low health literacy is identified as a significant risk factor that may contribute to high levels of anxiety and depression in pregnant women. Conclusion: Nursing care for the mental health of postpartum women faces substantial challenges, particularly in the identification and diagnosis of mental disorders, communication barriers between nurses and postpartum women, and insufficient support during the postpartum period. Difficulty in distinguishing between normal symptoms of the postpartum period and signs of more serious mental disorders can lead to late diagnosis and inappropriate treatment, exacerbating mental health problems. In addition, communication barriers and lack of cultural sensitivity compromise the effectiveness of care. Continuous support and adaptation of care models are crucial to improving the postpartum experience and the adaptation of postpartum women to the new maternal role.