Stress, adaptation and coping in a maternal-fetal intensive care unit.

The emotional needs of 18 patients in a maternal-fetal intensive care unit were assessed using a semistructured interview. Patients were asked to rank order the stresses they experienced while on the unit as well as the supports which they felt enabled them to cope with the hospitalization. Responses were analyzed taking into account the duration of the patients' hospitalizations and the differences in two settings of the intensive care unit. Being away from home and family, physical discomforts, medication side effects, and feelings of helplessness and loss of control were the common stresses noted. Physicians, nurses and family and friends were the most frequently mentioned supports.