Prematurity and the Psychological Impact on Postpartum Women

an Integrative Review

Authors

  • Amanda Delunardo de Souza
  • Mateus Bernardo Scussulim Saloto
  • Izabela Silva Brêda
  • Marya Eduarda de Laia Siqueira
  • Paula Caires do Amaral
  • Adriene de Freitas Moreno Rodrigues

Keywords:

Infant, Premature, Postpartum Period, Mental Health

Abstract

Objective:  Prematurity is defined as the birth of live infants before 37 weeks of gestation and entails unfavorable repercussions in the mother’s life, such as difficulty in establishing a bond with the newborn. The objective of this study is to investigate the psychological impact experienced by mothers as a result of premature birth. The applied methodology consists of an integrative review, for which scientific studies published between 2020 and 2025 were searched in databases. The integrative review shows that prematurity, as well as its consequences, may increase the risk of depression and anxiety in mothers, affecting mother–infant interaction and intensifying the challenges of care during the postpartum period. Finally, prematurity is impactful and exposes mothers to a scenario of vulnerability, insecurity, and fear. Therefore, multidisciplinary follow-up becomes essential to provide emotional support to mothers in maternity services in order to mitigate the deleterious effects caused by prematurity.

References

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Published

2026-03-24

How to Cite

Souza, A. D. de, Saloto, M. B. S., Brêda, I. S., Siqueira, M. E. de L., Amaral, P. C. do, & Rodrigues, A. de F. M. (2026). Prematurity and the Psychological Impact on Postpartum Women: an Integrative Review. Revista De Divulgação Científica Sena Aires, 15(Esp.2), 89–96. Retrieved from https://rdcsa.emnuvens.com.br/revista/article/view/1161

Issue

Vol. 15 No. Esp.2 (2026): REVISA

Section

Literature Review

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