Woman�s perceived stress during pregnancy; stressors and pregnancy adverse outcomes

Abstract

Background: Stress perceived by mothers during pregnancy is dependent on several factors and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes threatening mother and child physical and mental health. Objective: The purpose of the present study is measuring perceived stress of pregnant women by 14 items Cohen�s perceived stress scale (PSS), detecting stressors surrounding pregnant women including male partner�s role, intimate violence, socioeconomic situation, etc., as well as investigate the effect of perceived stress on pregnancy adverse outcomes. Method: Two hundred first gravid pregnant women between 18 and 35 years old at post labor ward entered our cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill out the PSS questionnaire and an information gatherer filled out the checklist for exposures and baseline characteristics. Result: Mean ± SD of participants� PSS was 25.5 ± 8.6. Mothers� PSS was significantly higher in group reported father�s verbal aggression against mother (N = 71, 38) (23.7 ± 9 versus 28.2 ± 7.2; p <.001) and father�s physical aggression against mother (N = 28, 15) compared to nonexposed one (24.9 ± 7.7 versus 28.4 ± 8.7; p:.04). Mothers� PSS score was significantly correlated with mothers� satisfaction from both fathers� emotional (r: �0.30, p:.001) and financial support (r: �0.34, p <.001) during pregnancy. Moreover, the mother�s satisfaction from father�s concomitance in prenatal care (PNC) visits was significantly correlated with the mother�s perceived stress (r: 0.24, p:.001). Conclusion: Male partner�s role during pregnancy directly affects the pregnant woman�s perceived stress. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group