Antepartum is a term used prior to childbirth. It is a procedure of care used for expectant mothers placed in specialized care hospital settings prior to the birth of their child(ren). This technique examines the level of care for pregnant women, and involves examination of health disparities in women who are at risk for complications. Many women who are admitted to antepartum units often experience high-risk maternal complications such as high blood pressure (HTN), diabetes, behavioral health concerns, anemia, or sexually transmitted diseases, and must undergo extensive monitoring and care for both mother and fetus (Karrar, Vadakeut, & Hong, 2024). Providers monitor pregnant mothers for early onset pregnancy complications, provide post and prenatal education and referrals, and interventions for prenatal care and monitoring in attempts to improve maternal health outcomes (Karrar, Vadaketh, & Hong, 2024).
Prenatal care in the United States has increased, as women are in the 98th percentile in obtaining consistent prenatal care (Peahl, Novara, Heisler, Dalton, Moniz, & Smith as cited in Karrar, Vadaketh, & Hong, 2024). Mothers obtain antepartum care during the first trimester, and this procedure determines additional need for an advanced level of care. During the initial antepartum visit, providers provide baseline health screenings, genetic testing, and fetal monitoring. They also obtain past and current clinical history and administer behavioral health assessments. The second and third trimester is a continuation of prenatal care and assessment in preparation for delivery.
Expectant mothers are often burdened with fear, loneliness, and anxiety associated with antepartum procedures. Many patients may experience unfavorable maternal health outcomes and barriers to care, resulting in heightened behavioral health concerns. Patients may be hospitalized as a result of unforeseen pregnancy complications, resulting in depression. Incorporating pet therapy visits (animal assisted therapy) for antepartum hospital units would be beneficial in decreasing patient anxiety, fear, and depression symptoms. Research has shown that animal assisted therapy has been stellar in managing stress, minimizing chronic health conditions, and provides a wealth of emotional support to distressed patients with comorbid health conditions (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, 2022). The closeness and comfort of being with an emotional support animal can provide this population with increased comfort, healing, mental and physical rehabilitation (Duke Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2017).
References
Alliance of Therapy Dogs. (2022). How therapy dogs can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Retrieved on November 14, 2024 from https://www.therapydogs.com/ho...-stress-and-anxiety/
Duke Obstetric and Gynecology Duke University School of Medicine. (2017). Pet therapy available for ap patients. Retrieved on November 14, 2024 from https://obgyn.duke.edu/news/pe...vailable-ap-patients
Karrar S.A., Vadakekut, E.S., Hong, P.L. Initial antepartum care. [Updated 2024 Aug 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570635/
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