The Influence of Four Constructs of Social Support on Pregnancy Experiences in Group Prenatal Care.

Jean Marie Place,Melanie Schreiner,Kalyn M Renbarger

doi:10.1089/whr.2020.0113

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the influence of the four constructs of social support on positive pregnancy experiences in CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care (GPNC) model.Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who had participated in at least 6 of 10 GPNC sessions at a family practice medicine residency. Participants were asked to describe their experiences in GPNC.Results: Using a standard content analysis, four constructs of social support (emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal) were identified through three major themes: (1) informational support, offered by peers in GPNC settings, promotes learning and prepares women for motherhood; (2) emotional and appraisal support, offered by peers in GPNC, improves emotional well-being and helps women build lasting, supportive connections with peers, and (3) emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal support work in tandem to create positive relationships between women and health care providers.Conclusion: Social support provided a means to a positive prenatal health care experience that facilitated the attainment of new knowledge and the formation of positive relationships with health care providers and peers. The findings of this study can provide health care providers with a framework to examine and enhance their practice and care of women in the perinatal period.

Highlights

Pregnancy and the transition to motherhood is a period of profound change for many women
Objective: This study aimed to identify the influence of the four constructs of social support on positive pregnancy experiences in CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care (GPNC) model
The mechanisms of social support allowed for a positive prenatal care experience through the attainment of new knowledge, building of positive relationships with health care providers, and forming supportive peer relationships

Summary

Introduction

Pregnancy and the transition to motherhood is a period of profound change for many women. Social support is a critical protective factor for women undergoing the physical and emotional changes of the perinatal period.[1] Social support is linked to improvements in maternal quality of life, higher rates of continued breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy.[2,3,4]. Adequate social support promotes mental health in the perinatal period by reducing low mood and anxiety and helping women manage feelings of isolation and disempowerment.[1] As women transition to motherhood, social support enhances maternal competence by providing encouragement, promoting self-esteem, and decreasing stress.[1,5]. Women who report inadequate social support during pregnancy may be more likely to experience depression and anxiety after the birth of their infant.[8,9] A study discovered that both adolescent and adult women with low levels of social support were approximately five times more likely to experience postpartum depression.[10]

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Discussion

Conclusion