Ladies in waiting: Addressing the needs of antepartum patients in the hospital setting

While pregnancy is supposed to be spent happily preparing for a new arrival, women dealing with antepartum admissions face unique reproductive health concerns relating to premature delivery, pregnancy loss and difficult choices regarding termination. These medical concerns can precipitate depression, anxiety and social isolation among this overlooked vulnerable population. Additionally, at large urban medical centers, many patients lack the social support and access to resources needed to cope with this difficult predicament. Medical literature shows, that the stress of uncertainty and a prolonged hospital stay can take an emotional toll, adversely affecting the outcome of a pregnancy. The Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Social Work has worked collaboratively with the Department of OB/GYN and other ancillary services to develop a model Antepartum Support Program to reduce the emotional impact of extended admissions prior to delivery. This presentation will demonstrate how a major urban teaching hospital has developed and integrated comprehensive psychosocial counseling and a wide range of services, including access to multiple entertainment systems, guided meditation, massage, and music therapy to address the emotional needs of the antepartum patient population, regardless of income. The program has succeeded in creating a more comforting environment and has seen improvement in our patients' abilities to cope in this stressful situation. Principles of program development will be identified for use in other settings.