Comparative analysis of general and pregnancy-related prenatal anxiety symptoms: progression throughout pregnancy and influence of maternal attachment

Abstract

Pregnancy-specific anxiety (PSA) has been differentiated from general anxiety (GA) to better account for the heterogeneity of prenatal anxiety and possible measurement bias. A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the evolution of maternal anxiety symptoms during pregnancy, distinguishing PSA and GA, and the influence of maternal attachment A sample of 155 women (mean age 32.5, SD 3.88) were enrolled in their first trimester of pregnancy (T1) in one center and follow throughout their pregnancy. The Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ) were completed at T1, and, for the last two, at the second (T2) and third trimesters of pregnancy (T3). Multi-level model found significant decreases in the PRAQ total score and the STAI total score between T1 and T3, but only the PRAQ total score decreased from T1 to T2. Preoccupied maternal attachment was independently associated with higher PRAQ and STAI total scores at T1, T2, and T3. Considering the progressive decline of the levels of PSA and GA during pregnancy, interventions should focus on pregnant mothers with risk factors for a persisting course of anxiety such as preoccupied attachment.