The emotional state and social support of pregnant women attending childbirth classes in the context of physical activity

Abstract

Childbirth classes combined with elements of psychoprophylaxis and psychoeducation prepare women and their partners for childbirth and influence the level of their perceived stress and mood disorders. Participation in these classes may come as a form of support for pregnant women, or an opportunity to build self-efficacy and commence regular physical activity. The aim of this study was assess the emotional state, social support and self-efficacy of pregnant women attending childbirth classes, in the context of physical activity undertaken. The study included 101 pregnant women. The Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used during their first day of attendance at the childbirth classes (initial survey; T1) and after 10 weeks of participation in these classes (final survey; T2). After 10 weeks of childbirth classes, there was a statistically significant change in the BSSS, specifically in the area of Perceived Available Support, GSES, PSS-10, and STAI X-2. There was no significant relationship established between the emotional state and the physical activity undertaken before and during pregnancy or with the social support received.

The Level of Stress and Anxiety in Pregnant Women Depending on Social Support and Physical Activity

“…The high level of perceived stress and anxiety also increases the fears that accompany women during pregnancy. Complications during childbirth, pain, and fear for the child's health are most often mentioned [2,17]. In particular, this applies to primiparas with higher expectations of labour pain, making them more prone to anxiety [1].…”

“…These changes can lead to mental disorders of different types. The most common include increased levels of perceived stress and anxiety, and mood disorders [1][2][3]. These prenatal mental disorders are associated with undesirable effects for the mother and fetus.…”

“…Previous research indicates that the lack of social support is mentioned among numerous factors negatively affecting the emotional state of pregnant women [1,2,10]. Research by Li et al indicates that higher social support reduces the impact of stress on pregnant women and decreases the risk of prenatal depressive symptoms [11].…”

“…Additional support can also come from childbirth classes. Attending childbirth classes is associated with an improvement in the emotional state of pregnant women [2].…”

Assessment of the emotional state of women in the early postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…the prevention of postpartum depression includes mainly psychological support and education, aiming to build women's awareness of motherhood [16]. research shows that earlier preparation for childbirth and parenthood by participating in childbirth classes significantly increases self-efficacy and perceived available support, directly reducing perceived stress and anxiety [17]. In Poland, a program for preventing postpartum depression was launched for women, enabling them to take advantage of free consultations and conferences and to join groups for mothers with children [18].…”