Stressful events related to pregnancy and postpartum

This study represents a preliminary attempt to identify the psychosocial stressors of childbearing. A convenience sample of 221 women were used to identify these stressors. They represented three groups: first trimester women (n = 81), third trimester women (n = 80), and postpartum women (n = 60). Stressors were rated according to their frequency and intensity. The results focused both on the most intense stressors for each group as well as the changes in stressor intensity across the groups. The most intense stressors common to all groups were concerns regarding baby's welfare, labor and delivery, and issues related to their mate/spouse. One unexpected pattern was the continued stress due to thoughts of labor and delivery among postpartum women. The authors suggest a possible explanation for this phenomenon.