NURSES' PRACTICE IN POSTPARTUM CARE: ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTIVE APPROACHES

Abstract

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes, demanding qualified and humanized care. In this context, nurses play a fundamental role in monitoring women, from prenatal care to the postpartum period, promoting care focused on preventing complications and promoting maternal health. This study aimed to analyze the role of nurses in postpartum care, focusing on the clinical assessment of the postpartum woman and preventive approaches to maternal complications. This is an integrative literature review, descriptive in nature and with a qualitative approach, conducted through searches in the SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, and Google Scholar databases. Descriptors related to nursing, postpartum, nursing care, and postpartum were used. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles published between 2020 and 2025 were selected to compose the final sample. The analysis of the studies allowed the identification of four thematic categories: clinical assessment and surveillance of risk signs; Prevention of postpartum hemorrhages and infections; the nurse's role in the mental health of the postpartum woman; and welcoming and health education as care practices. The results showed that nursing care contributes to the early identification of complications, reduction of maternal complications, strengthening of self-care, and promotion of humanized care. It is concluded that the nurse's role in the postpartum period is an essential element for maternal safety, highlighting the need for continuing education, strengthening of care protocols, and continuous professional development to improve the care provided.