A818: An examination of low social support during pregnancy and its effect on mental health, quality of life and healthy lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women.

An examination of low social support during pregnancy and its effect on mental health, quality of life and healthy lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women.

Approved: 2020

Collaborators:

Mr Asres Bedaso
Prof Jon Adams
Prof David Sibbritt
Dr WenBo (Penny) Peng

Synopsis

Pregnancy is one of the important natural processes in women in which many biological, physiological and psychosocial changes are experienced. It is accompanied by hormonal changes and can represent a time of increased risk for the occurrence of behavioural and mental health problems. Several studies have shown that depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress during pregnancy are risk factors for adverse outcomes for women and infants. One major risk factor affecting maternal well-being and reason for the occurrence of negative birth outcomes is lack of social support during pregnancy (LSS). LSS during pregnancy worsens the psychological health of the pregnant woman and negatively affects her healthy lifestyle behaviours. It has been suggested that effective SS, mainly providing emotional and instrumental support, is protective by minimizing the impact of stress on the emotional well-being of the mother. This prospective cohort study will examine risk factors for low social support during pregnancy and its effect on mental health, quality of life and healthy lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women.