Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume: 15 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 73-78
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20251209
A Study to Assess the Stress Level among Antenatal Mothers in Selected Maternity Hospitals
Dr. Smruti Bhalendu Vaishnav1, Arati Govindlal Mishra2
1Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Pramukh Swami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad
2PhD Scholar, Broad Discipline Nursing Bhaikaka University, Karamsad
Corresponding Author: Arati Govindlal Mishra
ABSTRACT
Background: Pregnancy is a critical period marked by physiological and psychological adjustments that may increase maternal stress. Elevated stress during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Understanding stress levels among antenatal mothers is essential for early intervention and the integration of mental health care into antenatal services.
Aim: To assess the level of stress among antenatal mothers in selected maternity hospitals and to determine the association between stress levels and selected demographic variables.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 antenatal mothers selected through random sampling from maternity hospitals in Junagadh, Gujarat. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used to measure stress levels, categorized as low, moderate, or high. Chi-square analysis was used to examine associations between stress levels and demographic variables such as education, occupation, economic status, and parity.
Results: Most antenatal mothers experienced moderate stress (83.33%), followed by low stress (14.16%) and high stress (2.51%). Occupation (χ² = 25.4, p = 0.001) and parity (χ² = 21.0, p = 0.008) showed statistically significant associations with stress levels, whereas educational status and economic status were not significantly associated (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Moderate stress was highly prevalent among antenatal mothers, indicating the need for routine psychological screening during antenatal care. Working women and first-time mothers were more vulnerable to stress and may benefit from focused interventions. Incorporating stress management strategies such as yoga, counseling, and health education into antenatal care can enhance maternal mental well-being and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Key words: Antenatal mothers, Perceived Stress Scale, stress level, pregnancy, parity, occupation, maternal mental health.