[The stress level and structure in parents awaiting babies from high risk pregnancies].

OBJECTIVES

The analysis of stress in patients with high risk pregnancies.

DESIGN

The purpose of this research was analysis of stress level and structure in patients awaiting the baby from high risk pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

50 married couples were recruited to the study: 14 with threatened abortion, 18 with impending preterm delivery and 18 with a chronic disease (preeclampsia or diabetes). Trauma Symptoms Inventory (J. Briere) was implemented in this research.

RESULTS

Women exhibited higher levels of anxious arousal (AA). They revealed more frequently lowered mood and depression (D), as well as anger and irritability (AI). The clinical type of the threat seems to be the factor modifying the level of experienced stress. The highest level of stress occurred in those couples in which the women suffered from a chronic disease (preeclampsia, diabetes).

CONCLUSIONS

Threatened pregnancy is a trigger for psychological stress in parents. Both women and men reveal increased behaviours directed to reduction of emotional tension. The level of experienced stress is most heavily affected by the type of threat. The symptoms of stress are similar in both parents in a group with a particular diagnosis.