Social Support For Pregnant Women Research Articles

Partner-based HIV treatment for seroconcordant couples attending antenatal and postnatal care in rural Mozambique: A cluster randomized controlled trial

Introduction: There is evidence that a supportive male partner facilitates maternal HIV testing during pregnancy, increases maternal ART initiation and adherence, and increases HIV-free infant survival. Most male partner engagement clinical strategies have focused on increasing uptake of couple-based HIV testing and counseling. We delivered a couple-based care and treatment intervention to improve of ART adherence in expectant couples living with HIV. Methods: We implemented a cluster randomized controlled trial for seroconcordant couples living with HIV, comparing retention (patient’s medication possession ratio) in HIV care for a couple-based care and treatment intervention versus standard of care services in rural Mozambique. The intervention included couple-based treatment, couple-based education and skills building, and couple-peer educator support. Results: We recruited 1080 couples to participate in the study. Using a linear mixed effect model with a random effect for clinic, the intervention had no impact on the medication possession ratio among women at 12 months. However, the intervention increased men’s medication ratio by 8.77%. Our unadjusted logistic regression model found the odds of an infant seroconverting in the intervention group was 30% less than in the control group, but the results were not statistically significant. Discussion: Our intervention resulted in no difference in maternal outcomes, but improved medication possession ratio among male partners. We provide a community/clinic-based treatment framework that can improve outcomes among male partners. Further work needs to be done to improve social support for pregnant women and to facilitate prevention of vertical transmission to infants among couples living with HIV.

Examination of Risk of Depression and Perception of Social Support in Pregnant Women Undergoing Intrauterine Intervention.

Interventions during pregnancy might increase the risk of depression becausethey may cause anxiety and stress in the mother. In these cases, it is important to provide social support to pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the risk of depression and the perception of social support in pregnant women who had undergone intrauterine intervention (IUI). The population of this descriptive study consisted of all pregnant women (n = 267) who attended a state hospital in Izmir between March and September 2022 and who had undergone IUI. Data were obtained using a sociodemographic data form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used in the study. In this study, of the women, 42.7% had ≥3 pregnancies; the gestational week of 93.6% of the pregnant women was between 13-24 weeks. The mean scores of the pregnant women were 11.12 ± 8.04 on the BDI and 61.06 ± 19.84 on the MSPSS. According to the results of the correlation analysis, there was a weak (<0.05) negative reverse correlation between the scales. In the results of this study, it has been determined that as perceived social support increases in pregnant women, symptoms of depression are less likely to occur. This result is important in terms of indicating the need for providing social support to pregnant women. Women should be able to identify depression risk factors during this process to receive appropriate care and support.

Predictive Power of Self-Efficacy on the Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women: Underlying Mechanisms of Social Support as a Mediator and the COVID-19 Fear as a Moderator.

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common problem associated with psycho-social factors in pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the mediator of social support and the moderator role of fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC in pregnant women. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 422 pregnant women registered in 18 family health centers. Data were collected with the introductory information form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-A, the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Fear of COVID19 Scale. The SPSS 22 package program and Hayes's process macro 3.2 were used in the analysis of the data. Findings showed that 19.9% of the pregnant women experienced severe FOC. Self-efficacy and social support negatively predicted FOC, while fear of COVID-19 predicted it positively. Perceived social support moderately mediated the relationship between FOC and self-efficacy. Fear of COVID-19 was found to be a marginally effective moderator in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC. This indicates that as self-efficacy increases in pregnant women with low fear of COVID-19, the FOC is experienced less. In the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC, social support is a key factor in reducing FOC. To reduce the FOC, the social support of pregnant women should be strengthened, and the fear associated with acute crisis periods such as pandemics should be reduced with some preventive measures.

Effect of Online Group art Therapy on Happiness, Depression and Social Support of Pregnant Women : Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Online Group art Therapy on Happiness, Depression and Social Support of Pregnant Women : Randomized Controlled Trial

Assessing Natural Childbirth Intention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Support in Pregnant Women in Northern Iran

Introduction: Childbirth is the most challenging physiological and psychological event in a woman’s life. Despite the recommendations of the Iranian Ministry of Health on having natural childbirth, no favorable statistics have been reported yet. Objective: This study aims to determine the predictors of natural childbirth intention based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social support in pregnant women referred to selected hospitals in Rasht, northern Iran. Materials and Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 353 pregnant women aged 15-45 years referred to four hospitals in Rasht city in 2020 who were selected by systematic random sampling method proportional to the size of the study population. A researcher-made self-report questionnaire measuring the demographic information, the TPB constructs, social support, and natural childbirth intention was used. Data was analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation test, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Most of the pregnant women had a high school diploma (43.6%) and were housekeepers (83.3%), living in the city (80.5%). Most of them were in the third trimester of pregnancy (37.7%) and had pregnancy for the first time (44.8%). Their mean age was 28.90±5.8, and 58.8% intended to give birth naturally. The mean score of the natural childbirth intention was 6.71±2.50. This intention had a direct correlation with all TPB constructs and social support (r=0.526-0.829; P=0.001). Based on results social support, and participation in childbirth education classes predicted 72% of changes in natural childbirth intention (R2 =0.72). Attitude alone was able to predict natural childbirth intention by 69% (β=0.12, 95% CI; 0.09%, 0.15%, P=0.001) Conclusion: The power of the TPB constructs for predicting the natural childbirth intention in pregnant women in northern Iran is high. The attitude construct is the best predictor of natural childbirth intention. To increase the tendency to choose natural childbirth, educational interventions based on the TPB with an emphasis on attitudes can be useful. In addition, measures should be taken for the active participation of pregnant women in childbirth preparation classes.

The relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with self-care of pregnant women: The mediating role of social support-A cross-sectional study.

Pregnancy is a stressful experience, which can affect different aspects of a woman's life. Yet, women with a supportive network of friends and family may experience lower stress and improved self-care behavior. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with the self-care of pregnant women, as well as the mediating role of social support. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022 in Babol, Iran. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in the study. The participants completed five questionnaires, including a demographic and obstetric questionnaire, a Self-care questionnaire, Perceived Social support (PSS), Perceived Stress Inventory (PSI), and Pregnancy Specific Distress. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis relationships among the variables. We found that Perceived stress (β = -0.221, p = 0.012β) and pregnancy distress (β = -0.203, p = 0.002β) had a negative and significant effect on the self-care of pregnant women. Also, perceived stress (β = -0.429, p < 0.001β) and pregnancy distress (β = -0.381, p < 0.001β) had a negative and significant effect on the social support of pregnant women. The results exhibited a significant specific indirect effect between pregnancy distress, perceived stress, and pregnancy self-care, with social support as the mediator: standardized indirect effect = -0.068, -0.076, respectively. According to the findings, social support plays a direct and mediating role in improving self-care behaviors among pregnant women. Therefore, providing strategies and measures to improve perceived social support by maternal health professionals may be expected to reduce the impact of stress on pregnant women's self-care. The implementation of policies and social interventions to improve the social support of pregnant women can be one of the applications of the findings.

The effect of couple supportive counseling on self-efficacy in women with insulin-treated gestational diabetes: A randomized clinical trial.

Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication and a common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Increasing people's self-efficacy is one of the best ways to control this disease. As there is a lag of intervention in this regard, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of couple supportive counseling on self-efficacy in women with insulin-treated gestational diabetes. In this randomized clinical trial, 64 women with gestational diabetes who referred to diabetes clinic of Mashhad Ommolbanin Hospital were divided into intervention and control groups through block randomization during 2019. Their gestational age was in 26-30 weeks. For the couples in the intervention group, three couple supportive counseling session was held. Each session lasted 1 h and was held one time per week. The instruments were diabetes self-efficacy questionnaire, fasting and 2-h postprandial checklist and Cassidy social support, which were assessed before and 4 weeks after intervention in both groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 25 through Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test. P values of < 0.05 were reported to be significant. In the preintervention, the diabetes self-efficacy score had no significant difference in the intervention (30/6 ± 38/50) and control groups (09/8 ± 56/51) (P = 515/0). However, in the postintervention, the diabetes self-efficacy score was significantly higher in the intervention group (58/6 ± 41/71) compared to the control group (15/7 ± 31/51) (P < 001/0). Also, before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the intervention (30/2 ± 72/10) and control group (87/1 ± 63/11) (P = 137/0) regarding social support. However, after the intervention, there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups (879/0 ± 53/13, 03/2 ± 41/11, P < 0/001 respectively). Also, data analysis showed a significant correlation between self-efficacy and social support (r = 0.451, P < 0.001), self-efficacy and fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001, r = -0.577), and 2 h post prandial (r = -0.778, P < 0.001). Couple supportive counseling leads to increased self-efficacy and social support in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to use this counseling as an effective method in the management of diabetic pregnant women during their prenatal care to have a healthier pregnancy.

The emotional state and social support of pregnant women attending childbirth classes in the context of physical activity

Childbirth classes combined with elements of psychoprophylaxis and psychoeducation prepare women and their partners for childbirth and influence the level of their perceived stress and mood disorders. Participation in these classes may come as a form of support for pregnant women, or an opportunity to build self-efficacy and commence regular physical activity. The aim of this study was assess the emotional state, social support and self-efficacy of pregnant women attending childbirth classes, in the context of physical activity undertaken. The study included 101 pregnant women. The Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used during their first day of attendance at the childbirth classes (initial survey; T1) and after 10 weeks of participation in these classes (final survey; T2). After 10 weeks of childbirth classes, there was a statistically significant change in the BSSS, specifically in the area of Perceived Available Support, GSES, PSS-10, and STAI X-2. There was no significant relationship established between the emotional state and the physical activity undertaken before and during pregnancy or with the social support received.

The relationship of probable clinical anxiety with attitude-behaviour, coping styles and social support in healthy pregnant women during the late period COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of state and trait probable clinical anxiety and their relationship with socio-demographic factors, attitude-behaviour, coping styles and social support level in high-risk pregnant women in the late period of COVID-19 pandemic. The pregnant women followed up in the gynaecological outpatient clinic were evaluated during their admissions. About 191 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Data were collected using the socio-demographic and pregnancy attitude-behaviour data form, STAI (Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), the Coping Styles Scale Brief Form (Brief-COPE) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Our study found that pregnant women had high anxiety levels (STAI-S:37.90 ± 8.88; STAI-T:42.46 ± 7.80) and probable clinical anxiety prevalences (STAI-S:81(42.4%); STAI-T:123(64.4%)) in the late period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that COVID-19 determined the preference of the birth method and the level of knowledge about COVID-19 predicted state probable clinical anxiety. Educational status, concern for COVID-19 transmission to the baby during pregnancy/birth, behavioural disengagement, focussing on and venting emotions predicted trait probable clinical anxiety. Our results have emphasised the factors that should be taken into account and coping styles that may be functional to protect the mental well-being of healthy pregnants. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to increase the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression of the general population and healthcare workers. There is limited studies about pregnant women. What do the results of this study add? According to our study, we can say that approximately half of the pregnant women in a pandemic need psychiatric evaluation due to probable clinical anxiety. The relationship between anxiety in the pandemic process and birth preference has been shown and coping styles in healthy pregnant women have been investigated for the first time, effective and ineffective coping styles have been shown. In addition, it has been found that the social support of pregnant women is effective in managing the pandemic process. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? According to our current findings, a multidisciplinary approach in which pregnant women are screened with self-report psychiatry tests and appropriate pregnant women are consulted to psychiatry during pandemic processes will make it easier for obstetricians to manage the patient. Especially strengthening effective coping styles and social support will have a great effect in mental rehabilitation. In this respect, further studies on pregnant women are needed.

Perceived social support in pregnant women with gestational diabetes attending hospitals in western Iran compared to healthy controls and its relationship with perceived anxiety.

Due to the importance of social support in pregnant women, especially those with gestational diabetes that cause anxiety and stress in them and requires effective and enough attention, this study aims to assess perceived social support of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in western Iran compared to healthy controls and its relationship with their perceived anxiety. This is a descriptive/analytical study with a cross-sectional design conducted on 180 pregnant women with gestational diabetes (n = 89) and without gestational diabetes (n = 91) referred to the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of two hospitals (Asalian and Shahid Rahimi) in Khorramabad, western Iran. Data collection tools were a demographic checklist, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Collected data were analyzed in SPSS v.20 software using chi square test, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation test. The difference between the two groups was significant in terms of perceived support from family (p = 0.001), perceived support from friends (p = 0.006), and anxiety (p = 0.047). Pearson correlation test results showed a significant negative relationship between the scores of MSPSS and BAI in patients (r= -0.329, p = 0.001) and controls (r=-0.204, p = 0.006). There was a significant difference in the MSPSS score among diabetic women in terms of having fetal macrosomia (p = 0.005), occupation (p = 0.003), education (p = 0.001), and frequency of pregnancy (p = 0.010). The perceived social support level is higher in diabetic pregnant women compared to healthy peers in western Iran. Improvement of social support from family and friends can reduce the anxiety of pregnant women with/without diabetes.

The structure and correlates of the 20-item Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale in a population-based sample of Hungarian expectant women

ObjectiveThis study aimed at analysing the structure and reliability of the modified, 20-item Hungarian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS-HU-20), and to investigate its associations with certain demographic, pregnancy-related and psychosocial characteristics. DesignA socio-demographically diverse sample of Hungarian women completed interviews in middle or late pregnancy, as part of the countrywide Cohort ’18 Growing Up in Hungary study. SettingData collection was carried out by local health visitors either at the family home or at the health visitor's office. ParticipantsIn total, 7,315 pregnant women were included in the study; they were aged between 13 and 49, and had a mean gestational age of 30 weeks. MeasurementsIn addition to the MFAS-HU-20, other paper-and-pencil scales were applied to measure perceived social support, partnership interactions, depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxiety. Socio-demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected through personal interviews. FindingsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported an oblique two-factor model, consisting of factors that were renamed ‘Attunement’ and ‘Interaction’. Cronbach's alphas for these two subscales confirmed their adequate internal consistency. The age of the expectant women, their partnership status, level of education, equivalized household income and parity all had a small effect on their bonding, while gestational age and multiple pregnancy had no meaningful impact on prenatal attachment in the present study. The psychosocial characteristics of the pregnant women were weakly associated with their attachment to the fetus, regardless of the mother's level of education. ConclusionsThis study suggests a two-factor structure of maternal-fetal attachment that reflects the distinction between the mental and behavioural aspects of this relationship. Socio-demographic background and psychosocial characteristics have a small impact on women's attachment to their fetus. Implications for practiceThe MFAS-HU-20 seems to be a reliable and valid scale that could be utilized in prenatal research and pregnancy care. Its correlates highlight the importance of interventions aimed at providing social support for pregnant women.

The Role of Pregnant Women's Perception and Social Support on the Utilization of VCT Services

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is an HIV/AIDS prevention program that has high evidence of effectiveness, especially for individuals who have HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. The behavior of using VCT services can be seen from the influence of perceptions and social support. This study has the purpose to analyze the correlation between perceptions and social support of pregnant women with the behavior of using VCT services in Banyuwangi. The method used in this study is an analytical observational with a cross-sectional research design. The population of this study was pregnant women in the Kembiritan, Sobo, Genteng Kulon, Kertosari, Singojuruh, and Singotrunan in the range of May - to November 2018. The sampling technique used was proportional random sampling. Most of the respondents have a bad perception that is 51. 6%. The majority of respondents have poor social support, namely 84.1%. The percentage of respondents who have good perceptions and behaviors in utilizing VCT services is 62.4%. Meanwhile, 60.1% of respondents who have social support and good behavior use VCT.

Anxiety, Stress, and Social Support in Pregnant Women in the Province of Leon during COVID-19 Disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a high risk to the mental health of the entire population. Pregnant women are strongly affected by the consequences of COVID-19, resulting in increased anxiety and stress. Social support can be a protective factor when it comes to mental health disturbances such as anxiety, fear, or stress in pregnant women. This research aims to describe the anxiety and stress of women in the first trimester of pregnancy in times of pandemic and its relationship with social support. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 115 women in the first trimester of pregnancy participated. Anxiety was found in 78.3% of the women. Self-perceived stress correlated significantly with the dimensions “concern for changes in oneself”, “feelings about oneself”, “concern about the future”, and very weakly with social support. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between “feelings about oneself” and social support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety levels of women in our population are elevated. Pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy showed higher levels of fear of childbirth and concern about the future than multiparous women. Increased social support and decreased stress seem to influence “feeling about oneself”.

SOCIAL SUPPORT IN PREGNANCY AND PARTURITION WITH MENTAL DISORDER

Pregnant and childbirth are two periods in woman’s cycle life and had risk of occurrence mental disorders. Good social support is one way to minimize it. This review will explain about mental disorders and effect social support for pregnant women and childbirth with mental disorders. This article will discuss a literature review. PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, were searched including research studies published in English using the referencing period between 2000 and January 2021. Pregnancy and childbirth are the time of positive expectation and times for psychological and physiological challenges. Social support is important to intervention about common mental disorders. Social support comes from family, partner relationships, friends, etc. Social support can reduces stress in women's pregnancy and childbirth and make them enjoy and happy with their periods. Keywords: mental disorder, social support, pregnancy, childbirth.

Stigmatization and Social Support of Pregnant Women With HIV or Syphilis in Eastern China: A Mixed-Method Study.

BackgroundStigmatization and poor social support are challenges faced by individuals living with HIV or sexually transmitted disease, which can have a profound negative impact on their healthcare. Mother-to-child transmission of either HIV or syphilis can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate stigmatization and social support of pregnant women with HIV or syphilis in eastern China.MethodsThis was an explanatory sequential mixed-method study conducted in Zhejiang province, China in 2019. Stigmatization, social support, and the associated factors toward HIV or syphilis were evaluated using questionnaires. The social support rating scale was used to evaluate social support, where a score <25% was defined as poor social support. A logistic regression model was used to explore the association between stigmatization and poor social support.ResultsA total of 448 women (HIV positive, N = 93; syphilis, N = 355) were recruited in this study. Higher stigmatization was observed in pregnant women with HIV compared to those with syphilis (53.76% vs. 24.36%, p < 0.001), and poorer social support was observed in women with HIV compared with those with syphilis (40.86% vs. 19.86%, p < 0.001), with significant distributions of the total social support scores (Z = −1.976, p = 0.048) and scores on objectivity (Z = −2.036, p = 0.042) and subjectivity (Z = −2.500, p = 0.012). Similar social support among HIV or syphilis pregnant women was observed in medical healthcare facilities. In multivariable logistic model analysis, stigmatization (ORadj = 2.927; 95%CI, 1.714–4.996; p < 0.001) and ethnic minority (ORadj = 2.373; 95%CI, 1.113–5.056; p = 0.025) were negatively associated with social support. Interestingly, employment status was associated with improved social support (ORadj = 0.345; 95%CI, 0.180–0.662; p = 0.001).ConclusionStigmatization among pregnant women with HIV or syphilis remains high. We demonstrated that stigmatization was a significant predictor of low social support in pregnant women with HIV or syphilis. The support shown in medical facilities was similar toward pregnant women with HIV or syphilis. Implementation of stigmatization eradication and social support strategies targeting pregnant women with HIV or syphilis may therefore improve the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission service.

Mental Health Problems and Perception of Social Support in Pregnant Women in the Covid-19 Process

Gebelik genellikle olumlu duygularla ilişkilendirilen bir yaşam olayıdır. Ancak, bu süreç bazı kadınların kolayca adapte olamadığı fiziksel, psikolojik ve sosyal değişiklikleri içermesi nedeniyle stresli bir yaşam olayı olarak deneyimlenebilmektedir. Ruhsal sorunların arttığı bir dönem olan gebelik sırasında gebelerin tıbbi komplikasyonlar, doğal afetler ve hastalık salgınları gibi durumlara maruz kalmaları ruh sağlığı sorunlarını artırabilmektedir. Aralık 2019'dan bu yana yeni koronavirüs hastalığının (COVID-19) ortaya çıkması ile yıkıcı bir küresel sağlık krizi yaşanmaktadır. Bu viral enfeksiyonla ilişkili artan morbidite ve mortalite oranlarını ve COVID-19'un yayılmasını önlemek için alınan sosyal ve fiziksel önlemler, kişilerin sosyal bağlantılarına ve günlük hayatın normal rutinlerine ciddi kesintiler getirmiştir. Yaşamsal kriz dönemlerinden biri olan gebelik sürecinde görülen bu sosyal destek kesintileri, bireyin stres faktörünün artmasında rol oynamaktadır. Sosyal destek salgın hastalıklar ve doğal afetlerden kaynaklanan olumsuz ruh sağlığı zorluklarına karşı koruyucu bir faktör olarak hareket etmektedir. Sosyal desteğin bilişsel değerlendirme, tutum ve algılanan stresin refah üzerindeki etkisini hafiflettiğine dair kanıtlar da vardır. Bir taraftan gebeliğin verdiği sorumluluk ve kadının bu rollere ilişkin ruhsal uyumu, diğer taraftan da COVID-19’un fetüs üzerindeki etkilerine ilişkin verilerin yetersiz olması, doğumun nasıl gerçekleşeceği gibi soru işaretleri gebelerde kaygı ve ruhsal bozukluklara yol açabilmektedir. Gebelerin yaşadığı kaygı ve ruh sağlığı sorunlarında sosyal destek mekanizmalarının önem arz ettiği ve gebelerin hemşire/ebe takibine ihtiyaç duyduğu bildirilmiştir. Bu derlemede, COVID-19 salgını sürecinde gebelikte karşılaşılan ruh sağlığı sorunları, buna yönelik sosyal desteğin önemi ve hemşirelik yaklaşımı ele alınacaktır.

Wsparcie społeczne kobiet ciężarnych

1. Janik-Fuks I, Maciejewska M, Korabiusz K, Wawryków A, Wilczyńska A, Stecko M, et al. Role of social support for pregnant women in maternal and postpartum care. J Educ Health Sport. 2019; 9(6): 366–370. Google Scholar

Psychological impact and social support in pregnant women during lockdown due to SARS-CoV2 pandemic: A cohort study.

IntroductionAnxiety and depression during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The SARS CoV‐2 pandemic, and the complete lockdown required during the first wave in most countries are stressors for pregnant women and can lead to anxiety and depression during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore depression and anxiety symptoms, and social support in pregnant women during the SARS CoV‐2 lockdown, as well as to explore demographic risk factors.Material and methodsA prospective cohort study was performed at Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, including pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic during the SARS‐CoV2 lockdown period. Three questionnaires were administered to study depression (EPDS), anxiety (STAI) and Social Support (MOS‐SSS). STAI state (STAIs) described the actual state of anxiety and the STAI trait (STAIt) described the trait of anxiety. A cut‐off of 10 for EPDS and 40 for STAI was considered to be clinically relevant. The main outcome measures were depression and anxiety symptoms.ResultsA total of 217 women were invited to participate, and 204 accepted (94%). From these, 164 filled in the EPDS, 109 STAI and 159 MOS‐SSS questionnaires: 37.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.5%‐45.7%) (62/164) of women showed an EPDS result ≥10, 59.6% (95% CI 49.8%‐68.8%) (65/109) a STAI state (STAIs) ≥40, and 58.7% (95% CI 48.9%‐67.9%) (64/109) a STAI trait (STAIt) ≥40. Regression analysis showed that mental health disorder, Latin American origin and lack of social support were independent risk factors for anxiety symptoms in the STAIs (P = .032, P = .040 and P = .029, respectively). Regarding depressive symptoms, maternal body mass index, mental health disorders and social support were independent factors (P = .013, P = .015 and P = .000, respectively).ConclusionsA lockdown scenario during the first wave of the SARS‐CoV 2 pandemic increased the symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant women, particularly affecting those with less social support.

Emotion Dysregulation Robustly Predicts Depressive Symptoms above and beyond Life Events and Social Support in Sub-Saharan African Pregnant Women

Although depression is widely investigated in relation to birth outcomes among women, greater research interest has been given to postpartum depression and its outcomes than to depression during pregnancy. In the present study a sub-Saharan African sample of pregnant women (N = 144; Mage = 29.55 years, SD = 5.20) completed self-report measures of stressful life events, emotion dysregulation, social support, and perinatal depression. Independent of socio-demographic factors, life events did not significantly predict depressive symptoms. Emotion dysregulation predicted elevated depressive symptoms, whereas increased social support predicted reduced symptoms of depression. Interventions designed to facilitate effective emotion regulation and enhance social support for pregnant women may be valuable to enhance their mental well-being.

Effect of counselling with men on perceived stress and social support of their pregnant wives

ABSTRACT Background Given the important role of spouses during pregnancy, this study aimed to determine the effect of counseling with men on stress and social support of their women (primary outcomes), anxiety, depression, weight gain, newborns’ anthropometric indicators, frequency of cesarean section and preterm delivery (secondary outcomes). Methods 102 pregnant women were randomly assigned to two groups of counseling and control. Four sessions of counseling were held for the spouses of intervention group. Perceived Personal Resource Questionnaire-85-Part2, Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh’s Postpartum Depression Scale, and Spielberger’s State and Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed before and four weeks after intervention. The participants were followed up until delivery, and newborns’ anthropometric indicators, delivery type, and preterm delivery were recorded. Results The mean score of social support increased significantly 4 weeks after intervention in the counseling group compared to the control group (MD:12.7; 95%CI: 18.5 to 6.9). There was no significant difference between groups in the mean score of stress, anxiety, depression, and weight gain during pregnancy at four weeks after intervention and also frequency of cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and anthropometric indicators of newborns (p>0.05). Conclusions Counseling with fathers can be recommended as an effective intervention to increase social support of pregnant women. Trial registration IRCT2017042910324N38. Registered 25 June 2017, http://en.irct.ir/trial/10813