Abstract:

Pregnancy is a stressful and complicated process biologically, physiologically and psychologically even if there are no health problems involved. This situation is more significant and severe in high-risk pregnancies. Stress occurring in high-risk pregnancies is known to increase because of maternal or fetal problems. In order to cope in crisis situations brought on by high-risk pregnancies, pregnant women and their families must refer to coping mechanisms they used in the past and also learn new techniques. Relaxation exercises, guided imagery-yoga, biofeedback, social support, massage therapy, acupuncture, music therapy, and spirituality are some methods of coping with stress. Identifying the various coping methods pregnant women use and advancing the teaching of effective coping strategies will contribute to overcoming the stress. The aim of this review is to increase the awareness of stressors experienced by women in high-risk pregnancies and teaching coping strategies. The use of appropriate stress coping techniques can bring about better health outcomes for mother and baby, so health professionals should be more aware of stressors in high-risk pregnancies.

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