Health-related quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile) of women with normal and pathological pregnancy and during delivery: correlation with clinical variables and self-reported limitations

Abstract

Objective Pregnancy is often associated with changes in the psychological functioning of women. The present study aimed to analyze the incidence of health problems in pregnant mothers and the influence of these problems on their daily functioning using a survey. Material and methods The study included a total of 232 women aged 19–42 years. The tools used in the study were a self-developed questionnaire and the NHP questionnaire. The study was performed among women with pathological pregnancies and healthy pregnancies who delivered. Women with pathological pregnancies had pregnancy-induced hypertension, fetal hypotrophy, cholestasis, or gestational diabetes mellitus. Women with healthy pregnancies were recruited from the hospital ambulatory and cooperating private practices or during admission for delivery. Results Group K had significantly lowest “TOTAL” intensity in relation to the other groups. For variable “PROBLEMS,” a statistically significant difference was found between group K and group P (p=.001) and between group D and group P Conclusions Every woman may experience a different level of satisfaction with life during pregnancy. This is typically determined by the personality of the given individual, as well as by pregnancy-associated emotions. It is important that health care personnel should provide psychological support and follow individual approach for each pregnant woman.