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RESEARCH PAPER
Fear of childbirth in the third trimester of pregnancy and its correlation with the condition of neonate
 
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1
Pracownia Podstaw Opieki Położniczej, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
 
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Zakład Kształcenia Podyplomowego Pielęgniarek i Położnych, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
 
3
Zakład Pielęgniarstwa Pediatrycznego, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
 
 
Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2015;21(1):39-44
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Many studies worldwide have suggested the existence of a relationship between prenatal anxiety and abnormal course of pregnancy, and the health status of the neonate. Social support received from close friends and relatives may constitute an effective predictor of the welfare of pregnant women and newborns.

Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to assess the level of childbirth fear and its correlation with neonatal health status evaluated using the Apgar scale, neonatal body mass and umbilical cord complications, as well as to determine the predictors of women’s welfare.

Material and Methods:
The study included 199 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The fear of childbirth was measured using the Fear of Childbirth Questionnaire (KLP II). The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were also applied. After parturition, data concerning neonatal assessment in the Apgar scale, neonatal body mass and umbilical cord complications during delivery were collected

Results:
No differences were found in the level of childbirth fear in mothers with regard to low neonatal body weight, low scores in the Apgar scale and umbilical cord complications. Satisfaction with life correlates with received social support. The level of social support received by women increases along with an increase in pregnancy risk.

Conclusions:
The fear of childbirth in women in the third trimester of pregnancy does not correlate with poor health status of the neonate. Further research should be carried out in order to determine correlations between the fear of childbirth and the health status of the neonate

 
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