Abstract:

Aim: Women may experience emotions such as fear, anxiety, stress, anger or guilt after pregnancy loss, and it can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder if the women cannot cope with these emotions. This study aimed to identify posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and related factors in women with early pregnancy loss. Material and Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 132 women hospitalised with early pregnancy loss in an Obstetrics and Gynecology service of a state hospital (<20 weeks). Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the the Ways of Coping with Stress Scale. Results: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were found in 62.9% of the women. As women’s PTSD symptoms increased, their state and trait anxiety also increased (r=0.692–0.752 p<0.01). As the symptoms of PTSD decreased, the scores of self-confidence, optimism, and search for social support approaches increased, and as the symptoms increased, the scores of the desperate and submissive approaches increased (r=0.246–0.579 p<0.01). Conclusion: PTSD symptoms are high in women after pregnancy loss. SAI, TAI, desperate, submissive and social support, health status, and wanted pregnancy variables are associated with PTSD.

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