APPROACH TO THE MATERNAL PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION IN PRENATAL, PUERPERIUM AND CHILDCARE CONSULTATIONS

Abstract

This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach that aimed to analyze the mother's perception of the approach to her psychological condition in prenatal, puerperium and childcare consultations. Between January and April 2023, postpartum women hospitalized in a public-private maternity hospital who had had at least one previous experience of motherhood prior to the current one were randomly selected.  The number of 20 interviewees was determined through the theoretical saturation sampling technique, in line with the pre-defined objectives, considering that it is a qualitative approach. The material was obtained through interviews and analyzed through Bardin's content analysis technique, in the light of Moraes' theoretical framework on perinatal psychology and psychopathology.  The analytical categories that emerged from the discourses were called: maternal emotional state; impairment of aspects of daily life; medical approach to the maternal emotional state, and the importance of the approach to peripartum depression. The results showed that: emotional changes during pregnancy and postpartum are frequent, causing transformations in family, professional and social relationships; The mother's emotional state is rarely addressed in consultations, and postpartum women consider this approach important. It is proposed to educational institutions a more humanistic training and a greater insertion of the theme to medical students.  It is also important to expand the dialogue with society on the subject, which is still surrounded by prejudice.