SENSITIVE LISTENING IN PERINATAL PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE FOR PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN HOSPITALIZED IN MENTAL HEALTH BEDS

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the scientific literature on sensitive listening as a relational technology in perinatal psychological care for pregnant women and postpartum women admitted to mental health wards. A narrative literature review was conducted, including 18 scientific articles published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese and/or English, retrieved from the EBSCO, Google Scholar, Lilacs, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. The evidence was organized into the following thematic areas: immanent meanings, dimensions, and functions of sensitive listening in perinatal psychological care for pregnant women and postpartum women admitted to mental health wards; intervention strategies for sensitive and comprehensive care in perinatal psychological management within the context of mental health wards; continuing health education and interprofessional collaboration as support for enhancing listening skills and perinatal care. It is established that sensitive listening constitutes a foundational relational technology—a fundamental principle, starting point, and guiding thread of perinatal psychological care—encompassing clinical, ethical, aesthetic, therapeutic, protective, and holistic dimensions.