The Relationship between Maternal Depression, Anxiety and Stress with Pregnancy Outcome in Women in 28-24 Weeks of Pregnancy

Although pregnancy is a physiological and natural phenomenon, women are exposed to physical and psychological changes during pregnancy that can affect their health and that of the fetus. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the relationship between depression, anxiety and maternal stress with pregnancy outcome in pregnant women in 28-24 weeks of pregnancy

This prospective longitudinal study was performed on 241 pregnant women in 24-28 weeks of gestation in 2018-19. Mothers in the exposure group scored 1 deviation above the mean in the Labivand Anxiety, Stress and Depression Questionnaire. Outcomes of the study included evaluation of preterm delivery (before 37 weeks) and neonatal outcome. Mothers were followed up until delivery and delivery. Data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square and logistic regression. Significance level less than 0.05 was considered significant.

The results of the study showed that, preterm delivery, birth weight, neonatal height and head circumference, respiratory distress and neonatal jaundice were significantly associated with maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy.

Considering the relationship between depression, anxiety and maternal stress with pregnancy outcomes, the assessment and control of psychological factors such as stress and maternal concerns in prenatal care as well as other biological and medical factors in the direction of preterm delivery can be included.