Nursing care plan for anxiety in pregnancy

Introduction

Anxiety during pregnancy is an experience shared by many. It can include feelings of restlessness, exhausted, overwhelmed and may significantly impact the outcome of the pregnancy. This article will discuss Nursing Care Plan for Prenatal Anxiety.

Assessment Explanation

The first step in developing a Nursing Care Plan specific to anxiety during pregnancy includes making an assessment. A comprehensive assessment should include setting the scene and gathering a detailed health and psychosocial history regarding maternal and paternal health, health behaviors and lifestyle recurrent health problems.

Nursing Diagnosis Explanation

After the assessment is complete, the nurse should move to the next step in the Nursing Care Plan process: Formulating Nursing Diagnoses. Examples of Nursing Diagnoses related to prenatal anxiety may include

• Ineffective Coping
• Risk for Compromised Immune Function
• Acute Fear
• Social Isolation
• Potential Developmental Delay

Outcomes Explanation

Once the Nursing Diagnosis is formulated, the nurse must develop patient-specific nursing outcomes for each diagnosis. For example, for Ineffective Coping the patient-centered outcome may be “The patient will learn effective coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety” or “The patient will identify 2 healthy activities that provide an emotional outlet”

Interventions Explanation

Once the outcomes are created the nurse should then elaborate each outcome with intervention strategies. Interventions should address the context, scope and complexity of the case. For example, the intervention for Ineffective Coping may be “Assist patient in exploring relaxation strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises”.

Rationales Explanation

The Rationales explain why the intervention has been selected and selected evidence-based practice guidelines. For example, the Rationale for the relaxation strategies intervention could be “Relaxation techniques have been proven to reduce stress, improve prevent symptomatology and improve coping skills”.

Evaluation Explanation

Finally, the nurse must evaluate the patient's progress in meeting the stated outcomes. This should include documenting the patient's response to the interventions, noting any changes in clinical status and verifying patients understandings of interventions they can do at home to manage the anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the nurse must create a comprehensive Nursing Care Plan specific to the individual's needs when managing anxiety during pregnancy. The plan should include an Assessment, Nursing Diagnoses, Outcomes, Interventions, Rationales, and Evaluations.

FAQs

• What are some common causes of prenatal anxiety?

  Common causes of prenatal anxiety can include hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation or fatigue, physical complications, strong emotions or irrational thoughts about the pregnancy, anxiety about becoming a parent, fear of labor and delivery, and financial concerns.

• What can I do to reduce anxiety during pregnancy?

  Prenatal anxiety can be managed through healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating well, getting adequate rest, talking with supportive friends and family members and engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure. Additionally, participating in therapy, utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness meditation can also be beneficial.

• What is the best way to address my prenatal anxiety?

  The best way to address prenatal anxiety is to take a holistic approach to wellness. Identifying possible triggers for anxiety and developing coping strategies to manage distress is key. Additionally, talking with your doctor or midwife about your concerns can be helpful. Seeking out counseling from a mental health professional may also be beneficial.

• Can anxiety during pregnancy affect the baby?

  Yes, it is possible that prolonged or intense periods of prenatal anxiety can have adverse effects on the baby such as preterm labor, placental abruption, low birth weight and maternal mood disorders.

• Will I need to take medications to manage my prenatal anxiety?

  The decision to take medications to manage anxiety during pregnancy is one that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Certain medications may be necessary depending on the severity of your symptoms and how well lifestyle modifications and therapies are working.