Parental stress during pregnancy and maternity
Carine Sanches Zani Ribeiro1, Ellen Cristina Gondim1, Luiz Guilherme Dacar Silva Scorzafave2
1Universidade São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Programa de Pós-Graduação Enfermagem em Saúde Pública, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da U S P
|April 3, 2023
Summary
Maternal stress during pregnancy and the postpartum period is common. Planning pregnancy can significantly reduce parental stress, benefiting both mother and child.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Child Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Parental stress is a significant concern for maternal and child well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing stress during pregnancy and postpartum is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with maternal stress during pregnancy.
- To identify factors associated with parental stress in the first month postpartum.
Main Methods:
- A prospective longitudinal study involving 121 women.
- Data collected through home interviews using the Gestational Stress Scale and Parental Stress Scale.
- Statistical analyses included correlation and regression models.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of stress was reported during pregnancy (67.8%).
- Most women experienced low parental stress postpartum (52.1%).
- Gestational stress correlated with postpartum parental stress; planned pregnancies were associated with lower parental stress.
Conclusions:
- Gestational stress and postpartum parental stress are interconnected.
- Pregnancy planning emerges as a protective factor against parental stress.
- Early interventions to mitigate parental stress are vital for positive parenting outcomes and child health.
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