Mental health articles

Weighing up risk and protective factors
Assessment of an individual or family at this time involves consideration of:
• biological factors—for example, medical concerns for the mother or foetus
such as genetic risk
• psychological and interpersonal factors—adaptive and coping mechanisms,
past psychiatric and obstetric history, resolution of trauma and loss, and
relationship quality
• social factors—extent of social support, stress and isolation.
Important protective factors include adequate personal and material support
and a collaborative obstetric, allied and mental health team who will work
together to integrate care of the pregnant woman, the foetus and the extended
family.