What should be the nurse's priority for a recently emigrated pregnant woman?

Identifying the support system for a recently emigrated pregnant woman is crucial because it serves as a foundation for her emotional and practical well-being during pregnancy and beyond. A reliable support system can provide emotional encouragement, practical assistance, and resource access, all of which are especially important for someone navigating a new environment and potentially different cultural norms surrounding childbirth.

For emigrant women, the process of adapting to a new country often comes with challenges such as language barriers, lack of family presence, and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system. By identifying her support system, the nurse can help ensure that she has the social and emotional resources to cope with the stresses of pregnancy and potential separation from her primary support networks. This foundational step can lead to more tailored care and additional resources being provided, such as connections to community groups or organizations that cater to new immigrants or pregnant women.

While developing a birth plan, teaching about emotional changes, and referring for labor support are all important components of prenatal care, they may be less effective if the woman does not have a strong support network in place to help her through the pregnancy and transition to motherhood. Therefore, establishing her support system is pivotal for holistic and comprehensive care.