Hair cortisol levels in pregnant women in relation with stress and pregnancy anxiety during a coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundThe research aimed to examine the biological and psychological aspects of stress in pregnant women during a coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, we focused on hair cortisol levels that reflect the second and third trimester of pregnancy, perceived stress, pregnancy anxiety and fear of coronavirus.MethodsResearch group consisted of 40 pregnant women (21 primiparous and 19 multiparous women). A battery of questionnaires consisting of PSS-10, PRAQ-R2, FCV-19S.ResultsThe results showed that pregnant women had significantly higher levels of hair cortisol in the 3rd trimester compared to the 2nd trimester (z=-2,850, p=0,004, d=-0,45). In pregnancy anxiety, multiparous women had significantly higher scores compared to primiparous women (t(28,81)=- 2,90, p=0,007, d=0,48 especially in the subscale concerns about changes in appearance. There was no relationship between fear of coronavirus and pregnancy anxiety (r=0,301, p=0,059).ConclusionIn the 3rd trimester demonstrated significantly higher levels of hair cortisol in pregnant women compared to with the 2nd trimester, and these findings are consistent with other studies.