**7. Psychosocial assessment**

Psychosocial assessment is defined by Chitra and Gnanadurai [1] as an evaluation of an individual's mental health, social status and functional capacity. The individual's physical status, appearance and modes of behaviour are observed for factors that may indicate or contribute to emotional distress or mental illness. Observation includes posture, facial expressions, manner of dress, speech and thought patterns, degree of motor activity and level of consciousness. The individual is questioned concerning patterns of daily living, including work schedule and social and leisure activities. Data should include the individual's response to and methods of coping with stress, relationships, cultural orientation, unemployment or change of employment, change of residence, marriage, divorce or death of a loved one [30].

The above-listed risk factors can directly or indirectly affect the outcome of pregnancy in a negative way [7]. A meta-analysis of perinatal depression identified depression as a major complication of pregnancy affecting 14.5% of pregnant women [19].
