An Analysis of Pregnancy Perception of Pregnant Women in Terms of Stress, Demographic and Obstetric Characteristics

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effects of stress, demographic, and obstetric characteristics on pregnancy perception. Method: This cross-sectional study comprised 397 pregnant women admitted to the outpatient clinic. The data were obtained by using an introductory information form, the Self-Perception of Pregnant Women Scale, and the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire. Results: Of the women, 82.9% were in the age range of 18-35 years, 36.8% were primigravida, and 68.3% were in a planned pregnancy. On the Self-Perception of Pregnant Women Scale, the average "maternity" sub-dimension score was found to be 25.82±2.87; the average "body" sub-dimension score was 9.41±3.67, and the average score on the Pre-natal Distress Questionnaire was 10.26±5.18. It was determined that a planned pregnancy and family harmony had positive effects on both the maternity and body perception score average. The problems experienced in the current pregnancy had a significantly negative effect. Conclusion: In this study, maternal and body perceptions were found to be adversely affected as the stress level of the pregnant women increased. The stress levels and maternal and body perceptions were negatively affected by unplanned pregnancies, pregnancies that carried a health risk, and by couples that were incompatible.