Psychopathological symptoms and locus of control in women with low-risk pregnancies

This study investigated the role of locus of control in the development of psychopathological symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum in women with low-risk pregnancies. Pregnant women participated during the first trimester of pregnancy (n = 285), third trimester (n = 122), and in the postpartum (n = 116). Participants were assessed for locus of control (first and third trimesters) and psychopathological symptoms (first and third trimesters and postpartum). Sociodemographic and pregnancy variables (previous childbirth, previous miscarriage, and whether the pregnancy was planned) were also assessed. Significant differences were observed in the development of somatization and obsessive-compulsive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. Both increased in the third trimester and decreased after delivery. Previous births, planned pregnancy, having a job, and increasing age were protective variables. As pregnancy progressed, locus of control was significantly externalized. In the first trimester, significant differences were found for locus of control (internal vs. external) among almost all the psychopathological symptoms, but in the third trimester, significant differences were only found in obsessive-compulsiveness and interpersonal sensitivity. In two trimesters, internal locus of control was a protective health variable. Regression analysis showed that external locus of control was related only to phobic anxiety in the third trimester. Adoption of a bio-psycho-social model, such as internal locus of control, may increase personal resources in pregnant women.