Maternal Stress and Maternal and Foetal Outcome:A Comparative Study

Pregnancy is a period of excitement, expectancy, anxiety and even fear for the pregnant woman. She has to cope with the physical and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy and for this she needs the support of family members. This study of social, economical and family back ground of pregnant women was conducted to see if there are any stress factors that influence the health of mothers and newborns. A care comparative study of 120 antenatal and postnatal women was taken up in SAT hospital in Trivandrum.

Findings revealed that the number of family members was significantly related to the level of maternal stress and that as the number of children increased, the maternal stress also increased. Primi mothers were more likely to face stress. The study showed that the mother's emotional state has a direct bearing on the developing child before and after childbirth. This necessitates steps to create a soothing and non stressful environment for mother and family in order to facilitate a favorable birth outcome, family support.