Stress among Antenatal Women in India

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a special time for a woman and her family. It is a time of many changes in a pregnant woman's body and emotions. Stress during pregnancy may lead to several problems to the mother and unborn child. Stress reacts physically, mentally and emotionally to the various conditions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate stress in antenatal women and its association with selected factors among antenatal women. Study Design: A descriptive survey design was used to identify the stress and its associated factors among (160) antenatal women aged 20-45 years. Results: The present study reveals no or mild stress level among antenatal women 107(66.9) and moderate to severe stress in 53(33.3%) of them. A statistically significant association was observed for gravida, education and monthly family income of antenatal women. Conclusions: Stress during antenatal period was observed among more than half the women. Stress was significantly associated with gravida, educational status and monthly family income.