Investigating and comparing the dimensions of worry of Iranian primiparous women in each trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Background Pregnancy and childbirth are considered natural events in the life cycle of women. However, it is also a stressful experience along with physiological and psychological changes. Therefore, it is important to study the dimensions that cause more worry in each of the pregnant trimesters. This study aimed to determine and compare the dimensions of worry of Iranian primiparous women in each trimester of pregnancy. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 primiparous women (n = 100 in each trimester) referred to seven health centers affiliated with the Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The sampling was multistage. We collected data from a demographic and fertility questionnaire and the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS). Results The mean score of worry during the entire pregnancy was 28.16. The mean and standard deviation of the worry score in the first trimester was (27.35 ± 12.22). The second trimester was (27.80 ± 12.53) and the third trimester was (29.34 ± 11.11). The highest mean score of worry in the first and third trimmers was the dimension of own health. The second trimester was the dimension of socio-medical. The lowest mean score of worry in all trimmers was the dimension of relationships. Among CWS-related items, the highest mean score of worry in the first trimester was giving birth (3.34) and the possibility of miscarriage (3.22). In the second trimester was the possibility of going into labour too early (3.3) and the possibility of miscarriage (3.12), and in the third trimester was the possibility of going into labour too early (3.33) and giving birth (3.27). The lowest mean score of worry in all three trimesters was related to problems with the law. Conclusion pregnancy worry in the third trimester was more than the other two trimesters, and worrying about own health was the most important dimension of worry for pregnant women. Paying attention to the dimensions of worry of pregnant women helps design appropriate interventions to increase the mental and physical health of pregnant women.