Association of Pregnancy-Related Anxiety With Perceived Social Support: An Observational Study Among Third-Trimester Antenatal Women.

Objective

To assess the relationship of perceived social support and pregnancy related anxiety (PRA) among third trimester pregnant women.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study. The data were collected from July 2021 to March 2022. Study participants included a total of 124 antenatal women who were in their third trimester. PRA was assessed with the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale and Pregnancy Anxiety Questionnaire Revised 2. Perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Adequate statistical analysis was done.

Results

Frequency of PRA in the study population was 40.3%. The total MSPSS scores and all its domains were significantly lower in the anxious group (total: P = .002, significant other: P = .006, family: P = .031, and friends: P = .004). PRA was significantly associated with lower perceived social support (P= .002), higher education level (P= .028), and higher number of antenatal visits (P= .031).

Conclusion

Late-pregnancy anxiety is linked to perceived social support, and specific PRA themes (delivery, body shape, and child health) correlate with distinct perceived social support domains. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(2):24m03833. Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.