Expectations of childbirth and anxiety in at term pregnant women during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain: A pilot study

Fernández-Alonso, A. M. ; Mayoral-César, V. ; Díaz-Goicoechea, M. ; Díaz-Goicoechea, M. ; Vicente-García, G. ; Rodríguez-Castillo, C. ; Pérez-López, F. R.

Resumen: Objective. Evaluate the expectations of childbirth and anxiety/depression risks during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in pregnant women at term. Materials and Methods. We evaluated the last objectives in a group of 113 gravids of 37 to 41 weeks of gestation with, respectively, the Slade-Pais expectations of Childbirth Scale (SPECS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results. The mean SPECS score was 145.5 ± 20.8, and 56.1% of pregnant women had a high level of anxiety and depression (HADS ≥ 11) associated with their subjective perceptions on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mean HADS scores were significantly higher concerning SPECS sub-scales staff and service responsive to needs, fear, out of control and embarrassment, partner’s coping, and positive anticipation of birth. The multiple regression analysis showed that a high total SPECS score was associated with a high HADS score, non-Caucasian ethnicity, and having positive SARS-CoV-2 testing. Conclusions. Pregnant women at term had high SPECS scores associated with a high prevalence of depression and anxiety during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The identification of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic related factors involved in fear of childbirth or tokophobia may allow designing interventions to reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and fear of childbirth to improve the delivery experience.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.36129/jog.2023.94

Año: 2023

Publicado en: Italian Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 35, 4 (2023), 503-510
ISSN: 2385-0868

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.241 - Obstetrics and Gynecology (Q3)

Tipo y forma: Article (PostPrint)