What is the main purpose of the postpartum assessment?

The main purpose of the postpartum assessment is to evaluate maternal recovery. This process focuses on monitoring the physical and psychological well-being of the mother after childbirth. During this period, healthcare providers look for signs of complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, or issues with breastfeeding. They also assess the mother's emotional state to identify any signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, ensuring she is receiving appropriate support for both her physical and mental health needs.

In contrast, monitoring fetal health post-delivery is not relevant, as the evaluation of fetal status occurs antepartum and during labor. Assessing neonatal well-being, while important, is not the main focus of postpartum assessments, which concentrate specifically on the mother. Planning for future pregnancies, though significant in a broader scope of maternal care, does not fall within the immediate goals of postpartum evaluation, which prioritize recovery and stabilization after delivery.