Psychological abuse complicating pregnancy, third trimester

This code signifies the presence of psychological abuse experienced by a pregnant patient during her third trimester. It indicates that the abuse is actively impacting or complicating the current pregnancy, requiring clinical attention and intervention. This includes emotional, verbal, or mental abuse that causes distress or harm.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of psychological abuse affecting a pregnant patient in her third trimester. This typically arises from screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) or direct patient disclosure, with the clinician noting the impact on maternal or fetal well-being. Supporting documentation should detail the nature of the abuse and its temporal relationship to the third trimester.

• Always sequence this code after the primary obstetric code (e.g., O36.xx for maternal care for other fetal problems).
• Ensure documentation specifies "psychological abuse" and the "third trimester" to support code assignment.
• Do not confuse with physical or sexual abuse; separate codes exist for those forms of abuse.