The association of perceived support with birthweights arid obstetric complications: Piloting prospective identification and the effects of counselling

Abstract

This pilot study examines the importance of perceived support, via a specifically designed questionnaire, in relation to important pregnancy outcomes. These outcomes are birthweight and obstetric complications. Perceived lack of support may either (a) incur its own stress, (b) exacerbate existing stress, or (c) facilitate stress (Younger, 1991). Furthermore, support and stress interact with personality variables (Younger, 1991). The term ‘support’ in relation to die Support in Pregnancy Questionnaire (SPQ), refers to current perceptions of support (e.g. ‘Social Support’, Oakley, 1986; Oakley et aL, 1988) and perceptions of early childhood support (e.g. ‘Internalized Support’, Raphael-Leff, 1991).