Abstract:

Objective: Woman’s diagnosis of risky pregnancy, fear of losing her baby, and lack of support factors can increase her anxiety levels and cause posttraumatic stress disorders. This research was carried out to determine the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and concerns about the childbirth and postpartum period in high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. Methods: The study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. Sample of this study consisted of a total of 612 pregnant women who were admitted to the Pregnancy and Gynecology Service of a State Hospital due to high-risk pregnancy (n=306) and who applied to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic for control purposes (n=306). Data were collected with Personal Information Form, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-Civil Version, Concerns Regarding Childbirth and Postpartum Period Scale. Results: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were found to be 48.4% in high-risk pregnant women and 29.4% in low-risk pregnant women. A statistically significant difference was found between total Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-Civil Version and total Concerns Regarding Childbirth and Postpartum Period Scale scores in high-risk and low-risk pregnant women (p<0.05). Conclusion: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and concerns about childbirth and postpartum period of high-risk pregnant women were higher than low-risk pregnant women. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were determined in nearly half of the high-risk pregnant women and in more than a quarter of the low-risk pregnant women. Concern levels of both high-risk and low-risk pregnant women were moderate. It is recommended that all pregnant women, be addressed in terms of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and possible concerns.

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