A study of antenatal anxiety: comparison across trimesters

Abstract

Background: The aim of present study was to investigate the antenatal anxiety across all three trimesters of pregnancy.Methods: This is a cross sectional, observational study for which data is collected from consenting subjects attending antenatal Out Patients department for routine antenatal checkup. Data included socio demographic information’s and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and statistical analysis done.Results: Out of 169 Pregnant females 27.8% were during first trimester, 40.8% during second trimester and 31.4% during 3rd trimester. The mean anxiety scores for first, second and third trimester was 10.74±2.97, 11.69±3.09 and 14.20±3.10 respectively. Independent t test revealed significantly higher anxiety scores for third trimester when compared to first trimester scores (t= -6.035, p value = 0.000).Conclusions: This study finds a significantly higher antenatal anxiety during third trimester of pregnancy.

<p>The prevalence and determinants of pregnancy-related anxiety amongst pregnant women at less than 24 weeks of pregnancy in Bangalore, Southern India</p>

“…Among Indian studies, Madhavaprabhakaran et al25 with the help of the Pregnancy Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), found that all women during the first trimester had some degree of pregnancy specific anxiety, which was mostly the moderate form in 89.4% of the women. A lower prevalence rate of 28.4% throughout all the trimesters was seen among pregnant women in Bhubaneswar for which the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale was used for measurement 26. This disparity in the prevalence rates could be attributed to differences in the psychometric properties of measuring scales that were used; and also to the sociodemographic and sociocultural heterogeneity and diversity of the study population.…”

Prevalence of Anxiety Among Antenatal Women in An Urban Area of Belagavi

“…This is similar to study done in Bhubaneshwar that reported significantly higher anxiety scores for third trimester (p =0.000). 12 Another study done by Madhavanprabhakaran et al in Kerala suggested a significantly high prevalence of pregnancy-specific anxiety during the third trimester. 20 However, another study done in Bangalore reported increased anxiety in early pregnancy with significantly higher levels of anxiety during the first trimester (47.8%).…”

“…This is in collaboration to a study done in Bhubaneshwar by Priyambada K in which most of the participants belonged to second trimester (40.8%), followed by third trimester (31.4%) and 27.8 % belonging to first trimester. 12 The socio demographic components of the antenatal women were compared with antenatal anxiety. The age group of 18-25 years (p = 0.03) and literacy status of secondary education (p = 0.008) reported to be risk factors for prenatal anxiety according to our study signifying that becoming pregnant at a young age itself might be a cause of increased anxiety among women.…”

“…11 Depression and anxiety have been linked to somatic complaints, gestational and obstetric complications, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, low Apgar score, smaller head circumference, alterations in fetal motor activity, affected fetal heart rate pattern and major congenital anomalies. 12 Stress and anxiety during pregnancy could diminish one's capacity for self-care, which could lead to inadequate nutrition, all of which could have influence on the fetus leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). 13 Childcare stresses, pregnancy and obstetric complications, poor relationship with their partner, and lower socioeconomic status have also been identified as moderate-risk factors for depression in pregnancy.…”

The Companion Status and Anxiety on Third Trimester Pregnancy Mother

“…Kecemasan di kehamilan trimester ketiga terdapat banyak tantangan fisik dan emosional, ibu akan merasakan ketidaknyamanan fisik kembali yang semakin kuat menjelang persalinan. Selain itu, perasaan cemas mengingat bayi dapat lahir kapan pun, memikirkan apakah nanti bayinya akan terlahir normal dan terkait persalinan apakah ia mampu melahirkan bayinya [1].…”