Psychological abuse complicating childbirth

This code signifies the presence of psychological abuse experienced by a pregnant individual that directly impacts or complicates the childbirth process. It indicates that the abuse is an active factor during labor, delivery, or the immediate postpartum period, affecting the mother's physical or mental well-being during this critical time.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states psychological abuse as a complicating factor during childbirth. This includes scenarios where the abuse leads to increased stress, anxiety, or other psychological distress that impacts the birthing experience or requires specific interventions. Documentation should clearly link the abuse to the childbirth event.

• Always sequence this code after the primary obstetric code describing the reason for admission or encounter.
• Ensure documentation specifies "psychological abuse" and its complicating effect on childbirth, not just a history of abuse.
• Distinguish from codes for abuse occurring outside the childbirth period (e.g., O9A.51- for abuse complicating pregnancy) or for general mental health conditions without a direct link to abuse during childbirth.