[Psychiatric Patients in Obstetrics in Germany - The Legal Basis and a Thematic Analysis of Case Reports].

The care of adult patients with particularly severe psychiatric illnesses in the daily routine of inpatient obstetrics is rare, but due to its complexity it represents a great challenge for all professions involved. The clinical pictures are very variable. There are a number of interlocking responsibilities in the provision of care. For planning of the birth, the medical-professional cooperation of psychiatry, obstetrics and pediatrics is necessary. Patients are often represented by legal guardians. The Youth Welfare Office is responsible for the welfare of the family and the children. The legal basis is essentially provided by the Civil Code, the Criminal Code and specific state laws, compliance with which is monitored by the courts. Typical psychiatric clinical pictures are presented by means of case reports. Legally defined applications such as accommodation, measures similar to deprivation of liberty, compulsory medical measures and justifiable necessity are explained. In the sense of a thematic analysis, these are applied to the case reports and peripartum management is discussed against the legal background. The precise knowledge of the legal background makes it easier for obstetricians to follow the procedures and interdisciplinary cooperation, especially at perinatalogical centres.