Performance of the multidisciplinary team in assisting women in the face of fetal death: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To describe the role of the multidisciplinary team in the assistance of women in the face of fetal death. Methods: Integrative review conducted at the Virtual Health Library with the descriptors “perinatal loss”, “health professionals”, “gestational loss”, “nursing”, “fetal death”, “maternal mourning”, and “motherhood”. Results: We found 121 articles. After applying the eligibility criteria, 14 articles remained. There was a lack of knowledge and preparation of professionals to deal with fetal death. Health professionals should assist in coping with physical and emotional pain. Final considerations: The performance of the multidisciplinary team needs to be specific, making the bereaved woman the protagonist who has the right to decide the place of stay after childbirth, whether she wants to stay alone or in the presence of other mothers, whether or not to see the dead child as well as deciding whether or not to have other pregnancies. The health professional must humanize care, provide assistance to the entire bereaved family, not only paying attention to physical pain but also psychological, providing essential assistance to the elaboration of mourning.