Pregnant women perceptions regarding their husbands and in-laws' support during pregnancy: a qualitative study

A qualitative examination of factors influencing pregnancy-related anxiety in Northern Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Despite high prevalence of anxiety among pregnant women in low- and -middle-income countries, research on context-specific conceptualisation, measurement, and predictors of pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) is limited in these contexts. We explored local conceptualisations of factors influencing PrA in the Northern Region of Ghana.

METHODS

We conducted 15 focus group discussions with antenatal care seekers in the Mion District, Savelugu Municipality, and Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, in July and August 2021. Multistage stratified purposive sampling was used to select respondents (n = 108). The data were audio-recorded and transcribed, and then we conducted a thematic analysis of the data.

RESULTS

At the individual level, fear of anaemia; pre-existing health conditions; challenges with daily activities; and physical, emotional, and sexual abuses from spouses contributed to PrA. Health system failures resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket payments, negative health worker attitudes, diagnostic errors, constraints on birth preparation and birth process, and potential adverse birth outcomes were understood as driving PrA. Socio-cultural factors influencing PrA comprised beliefs and practices around baby naming/outdooring ceremonies, fear of spiritual attacks, social construction of gender roles, and contextual factors such as transportation challenges.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women in the region understood, experienced, and could identify perceived predictors of PrA. To address PrA, we recommend that mental health services should be integrated into the basic package of antenatal care and rural health services should be improved. Perceived predictors of PrA identified here could be included in the design of a context-specific PrA measure for use in the region.

Family Support to Women During Pregnancy and Its Impact on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Family support is one of the determinants of lifestyle habits and relevant health behavior for pregnancy outcomes. In India, the joint family system is still practiced. Due to education, urbanization, and industrialization, the family institution continues to play a central role in people's lives. Pregnancy is a crucial period in women's lives. Good care during pregnancy is important for the health of the mother and the newborn baby. During this period, hormonal changes are complex and involve multiple hormones working together to support the developing fetus and prepare the mother's body for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. To avoid maternal and fetal complications, she needs support from her family throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the influence of the level and quality of family support during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify any association between the sociodemographic variables and the impact of the level and quality of family support during the first trimester.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study used a quantitative approach with a survey research design. Data were collected from four Primary Health Centers at Karad, Maharashtra, India, i.e., Rethare, Vadgaon, Kale, and Supane. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the 344 subjects from the Rethare, Vadgaon, Kale, and Supane areas of Karad Taluka. Data were collected before the completion of the first three months of pregnancy, then during the second trimester and after delivery. Upon evaluation, the tool was validated by experts representing a range of specialties, including community health nursing, mental health nursing, obstetric gynecology, and pediatric care. A pilot study was conducted on 30 samples. The data collected were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULT

The findings of the study show a significant association between the psychosocial support received in the first trimester and the total gestational weeks completed at the time of delivery (p < 0.05). The study suggests the need for psychosocial support during the first trimester for better maternal and fetal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial family support is needed by pregnant women during the first trimester to achieve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Women's experiences of social support during pregnancy: a qualitative systematic review

BACKGROUND

Social support during pregnancy can alleviate emotional and physical pressures, improving the well-being of mother and child. Understanding women's lived experiences and perceptions of social support during pregnancy is imperative to better support women. This systematic review explores and synthesises the qualitative research on women's experiences of social support during pregnancy.

METHODS

Databases PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo and Scopus were searched with no year limit. Eligible studies included pregnant women or women who were up to one year postpartum and were assessed on their experiences of social support during pregnancy. The data were synthesised using the thematic synthesis approach.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included with data from 571 participating women across ten countries; two studies used focus groups, and 12 used interviews to collect their data. Four main themes were developed ('a variety of emotional support', 'tangible and intangible instrumental support', 'traditional rituals and spiritual support', and 'the all-encompassing natal home'), and six sub-themes ('female network connections', 'care and affection from the husband', 'dissatisfaction with relationships', 'financial support from the husband and family', 'practical support from family and friends', 'health information support').

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review sheds light on women's experiences of social support during pregnancy. The results indicate a broad variety of emotional support experienced and valued by pregnant women from different sources. Additionally, women expressed satisfaction and dissatisfaction with tangible and intangible support forms. It was also highlighted that spirituality played an essential role in reducing stress and offering coping mechanisms for some, whereas spirituality increased stress levels for others.

Perinatal Anxiety among Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way prenatal education and obstetric care are provided. Pandemic-related anxiety, restrictions, limitations in perinatal care, and the inability to be accompanied by a loved one can have negative psychological consequences for future parents and their child. The aim of this study was to analyze the determinants and assess the anxiety of pregnant women in individual trimesters, as well as to learn about the sources of support and medical personnel proceeding methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research was conducted as a diagnostic survey, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Childbirth Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ), and a standardized interview questionnaire, on 534 pregnant women in Poland. Resultsand Conclusions: The pregnant women, regardless of the trimester of pregnancy, are characterized by: increased anxiety level influenced by the current epidemiological situation, psychophysical condition, previous maternal experiences, participation in classes preparing for childbirth, organization of perinatal care, their relationship with a partner, and the presence of a loved one during childbirth. A negative correlation was shown between the level of childbirth anxiety and maternal experience, as well as the support of a doctor and midwife.