Improving Perinatal Care Through Theory Application.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Maternal Health
• Psychosocial Development

Background:

• Understanding maternal behaviors throughout pregnancy and postpartum is crucial for effective nursing care.
• Existing nursing practices can be enhanced by integrating theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present relevant psychosocial theories for maternity nurses.
• To demonstrate the applicability of these theories using an exemplar case.
• To improve nurses' understanding of maternal behaviors during the perinatal period.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of key psychosocial theories relevant to maternity nursing.
• Application of selected theories (Rubin's tasks of pregnancy, prenatal attachment, pregnancy as a liminal phase, Mercer's grief work) to an unfolding case study.

Main Results:

• Selected theories provide a framework for understanding complex maternal experiences.
• Application of theories enhances nurses' critical thinking and ability to provide sensitive care.
• Theoretical guidance supports holistic nursing care for diverse family situations.

Conclusions:

• Psychosocial theories are essential tools for maternity nurses.
• Integrating theories improves nursing care quality, particularly in complex situations like pregnancy after loss or premature birth.
• Theoretical grounding promotes more responsive and holistic perinatal nursing.