Treatment-Associated Anxiety among Pregnant Women and their Partners: What is the Influence of Sex, Parity, Age and Education?

Abstract

Pregnancy is an extraordinary time for every woman and it is experienced very differently by each individual. It is generally associated with incalculable risks, such as fetal malformations or maternal illnesses that may affect the child. These dangers cause manifestations of anxiety not only in pregnant women but also in their partners, the expectant fathers. Abstract !Background: Anxiety during pregnancy can influence outcomes negatively. The aim of this study was to assess the fears of expectant parents in the setting of antenatal and obstetric care according to their sex, age, parity and education. Methods: 259 pregnant women and 183 partners, who had presented for antenatal investigation, routine antenatal care or for delivery in the UKSH womenʼs hospital, Lübeck campus, completed a self-assessment questionnaire of fears and the German version of the STAI (Laux et al.). ANOVA and t-tests were used for significance testing. Results: Pregnant women had higher levels of trait anxiety and state anxiety than their partners. Level of education had a significant, inverse effect on trait anxiety. Age had no influence. Fears for the childʼs health ranked highest among pregnancy-specific fears. Expectant fathers had the same level of anxiety for the birth irrespective of parity; for women fear of the birth decreased with increasing parity. Anxiety only increased significantly for expectant fathers from the 20th week of gestation onwards. Conclusions: Pregnant women and their partners have different levels of anxiety dependant on their age, education, parity and the stage of pregnancy. These findings could contribute towards improving support of couples during pregnancy. The fears of expectant fathers require particular attention.

Manifestation and Associated Factors of Pregnancy-Related Worries in Expectant Fathers

“…Regarding the association with contextual factors, a negative bivariate correlation with paternal age showed that younger fathers reported higher pregnancy-related worries, which is in line with previous literature (63,74). However, in multiple regression analysis, paternal age did not significantly explain variance in pregnancy-related worries.…”

“…This might lead to higher pressure in fathers and be reflected in the stronger concerns related to financial aspects compared to the maternal sample of Petersen et al (76). However, in another German study, not being able to provide financially for the child was among the lower concerns not only in mothers but also in fathers (74). One explanation for these divergent results could be that not having enough financial resources to cover specific expenses related to childcare might not be a relevant cause for concern, but the overall financial situation due to these expanses along with a reduced household income due to pregnancy and maternity leave might be.…”

“…To analyze the question under research, multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Due to its variation within this sample and previously reported changes of paternal pregnancy-related worries across pregnancy (74,89,122), gestational age at assessment was entered as potential control variable. Next, the contextual variables paternal age and household income, the obstetric variables previous children (dummy coded no = 0, yes = 1) and miscarriages (dummy coded no = 0, yes = 1), as well as the psychosocial variables general anxious and depressive symptoms, hostility, and perceived social support were included.…”

“…Previous research has further indicated that paternal age might have an effect on the experience and concerns on parenthood. While some studies reported that fathers with advanced age (≥35 years) reported higher levels of fear of childbirth than younger fathers (88), or did not show a significant association with age (35,89), others indicate that younger expectant fathers were at higher risk for developing pregnancy-related worries (63,74).…”

Outcome of isolated enlarged cisterna magna identified in utero: experience at a single medical center in mainland China

“…Prenatal diagnosis of a fetus brain abnormality will increase the pressure on parents, not only diagnostic uncertainties in some cases but also unclear of information on the long‐term outcome. Some studies have suggested that increased anxiety and continuing stress in pregnant women may lead to developmental delay and decreased coping ability after childbirth . Shengli Li et al .…”