The importance of Psychology in Nursing: from prenatal care to the postpartum period

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal health is not limited to the moment of childbirth, encompassing the entire pregnancy process and the subsequent recovery period. Humanized care prioritizes affective respect for others, valuing the improvement of life and relationships between people in general. Therefore, Psychology and Nursing can work together to care for women's health during pregnancy and postpartum, ensuring comprehensive and humanized care for pregnant and postpartum women. Objective: To analyze the importance of the joint action of Psychology and Nursing during prenatal care, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Materials and Methods: This is a narrative literature review. Data collection was carried out in March and April 2026, through searches in the Google Scholar and BVS databases, using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): "maternal health", "humanization of childbirth care", "prenatal care", "postpartum depression", and "nursing". The sample selection resulted from 22 studies, where a reflective reading was conducted for analysis and interpretation of the main information found. Results: The research verified that the role of the nursing professional during the prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum periods is mainly through actions such as: guidance on the processes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; monitoring and early identification of possible risk factors for the mother and newborn. Regarding the psychologist's role, the study identified mainly actions such as: promoting qualified listening, providing support, and preventing the emergence of mental and/or emotional disorders in pregnant and postpartum women. The results found contributed to filling gaps in current knowledge on the subject, as it favored the expansion of knowledge on the subject studied within the scientific community and in general. Conclusion: It is understood that the gestational cycle of a woman is a period that causes a myriad of transformations in the life of the woman, her spouse, and family members. It is recognized that only through the combined efforts of a multidisciplinary team, primarily nurses, physicians, psychologists, and assistants in prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, is it possible to offer quality maternal health care and attention to women.