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Updated: May 5, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Published on: August 25, 2014

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Postpartum Health in Mothers of Preterm Infants in the NICU: Needs, Service Utilization, and Care Gaps-A Systematic

Tabea Mina Stein1, Marie-Jeannine Riefert2, Harald Abele3,4

  • 1Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 14, 2026
PubMed

Background/Objectives: Mothers of preterm infants face complex postpartum challenges, yet their needs are often overlooked in neonatal care. This review synthesizes evidence on maternal health needs, service utilization, perceived adequacy, and barriers to care. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO identified 16 peer-reviewed studies published between 2007 and 2025 on mothers of preterm infants. A narrative synthesis integrated quantitative and qualitative findings from NICU settings. Results: Across 16 included studies, all reported psychological and emotional needs, with anxiety, distress, and fear for infant survival frequently highlighted. Informational needs were identified in 11 studies, particularly regarding infant care and postpartum guidance. Physical needs were reported in 10 studies, including fatigue and pain affecting NICU engagement. Nursing support and lactation services were consistently accessed, whereas psychosocial services and postpartum follow-up were reported in fewer than half of the studies. Perceived adequacy depended on empathetic, individualized communication, while structural and contextual barriers, such as transportation, financial burden, and NICU policies, limited maternal engagement. Despite available services, gaps in emotional, informational, and practical support persisted. Conclusions: Mothers of preterm infants experience substantial postpartum health needs that are insufficiently addressed within current NICU-centered care structures. Integrating maternal-focused, continuous, and psychosocially informed postpartum care into neonatal services is essential to reduce care gaps and support maternal well-being during NICU hospitalization.

Keywords:
copinghealth behaviorhealth needsmotherneonatal intensive care unit NICUphysical needspreterm birthpreterm infantpsychological needssupport needs

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