Effectiveness of nursing care in the immediate postpartum period for the prevention of maternal complications: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71112/461kdz14Keywords:
immediate postpartum period, nursing care, maternal complications, postpartum care, patient safety, systematic reviewAbstract
Introduction: The immediate postpartum period is a critical stage for maternal health due to the risk of complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, puerperal infections, hypertensive disorders, and problems related to physical and emotional recovery. In this context, nursing professionals play a fundamental role through continuous clinical monitoring, self-care education, breastfeeding promotion, and early identification of warning signs.
Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of nursing care during the immediate postpartum period for the prevention of maternal complications through a systematic review.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The bibliographic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Studies published between 2021 and 2026 in English, Spanish, and Portuguese that addressed nursing interventions during the immediate postpartum period were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 scientific articles were selected for the final analysis.
Results: The analyzed studies demonstrated that nursing care significantly contributes to the prevention of maternal complications during the immediate postpartum period. The most effective interventions included continuous clinical monitoring, systematic maternal assessment, prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and infections, self-care education, breastfeeding promotion, and emotional support. Furthermore, the implementation of evidence-based protocols was associated with improved maternal outcomes and enhanced patient safety.
Conclusions: Nursing care represents an essential strategy for preventing maternal complications during the immediate postpartum period. Strengthening professional competencies, implementing evidence-based protocols, and promoting continuous education improve the quality of obstetric care and contribute to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Miguel Alexander Vite Castro, Silvia Paola Castro Gutiérrez, Rosa Selena Lascano Torres, Laura Antonella Llerena Aguilar (Autor/a)
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