Stressors associated with pregnancy as perceived by pregnant women during three trimesters.

Abstract

A Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale that rated the incidence and severity of stressors associated with pregnancy was administered to 65 pregnant women during their three trimesters. The scores obtained from this scale were analyzed by factor analysis to determine the relationships within categories of stressor, and were analyzed by MANOVA, ANOVA, and trend analysis to determine the variations among nulliparas and multiparas. Factor analysis of the quantitative data defined three categories of stressor experiences, which were labeled Factor I, Factor II and Factor III. It was found that the effects of parity and trimester, on Factor I and Factor II were not statistically significant. The findings also show that "stress from altering body structure and body function" (Factor III) continues to be an important factor throughout pregnancy. It gradually increases and maximizes during the third trimester. A statistically significant linear trend is revealed in three different trimesters. There is no significant difference, however, between nulliparous and multiparous women.