The effect of pregnant women’s status of receiving preconception care on pregnancy stress

Abstract

In the study, we aimed to determine the effect of pregnant women’s status of receiving preconception care on their pregnancy stress. This is a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design study, we were conducted with the participation of 409 pregnant women between June-December 2019. The Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale total score mean was found to be 30.72 ± 20.26. Individuals who received medication and vitamins as part of preconceptional care had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) compared to those who did not receive them for total pregnancy stress, postpartum social support, infant health, and infant identity-care stress. Similarly, individuals who received medical treatment and regular checkups had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05) compared to those who did not for total pregnancy stress, postpartum social support, infant identity-care, body image and psychological state during pregnancy stress scores. In addition, individuals who maintained a healthy lifestyle had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) compared to others for infant health, infant identity-care, and psychological distress during pregnancy. It was determined that women who made preparations for their pregnancy experienced more stress related to their babies (baby’s health, baby’s identity and care), psychological status in pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal social support, and body image.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge all the participants for their contribution of data to the study.

Authors’ contributions

Study conception and design: SDA. Data collection: SDA. Data analysis and interpretation: SDA, RO. Drafting of the article: SDA, RO, YAA. Critical revision of the article: SDA, RO, YAA.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.