Perceived stress and social support in pregnant women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes during the gestation period. These changes cause psychopathological disorders such as stress and anxiety in mothers. Paying attention to the psychological health of pregnant women is a major global concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perceived stress, social support, and related factors in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 pregnant women who were referred to health centers in Zanjan, Iran, between January 2021 and April 2021. A cluster sampling method was used to recruit the participants. A demographic and midwifery information questionnaire, the 14-item Cohen's Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Winfield and Tiggemann's Social Support Questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean age of mothers was 27.12 +/- 7.01 years. The mean scores for social support and perceived stress were 17.95 +/- 5.52 and 26.71 +/- 8.84, respectively. No significant association was found between social support and the independent variables. However, perceived stress was significantly associated with social support, such that perceived stress decreased as social support increased. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between social support and perceived stress. Midwives and gynecologists should implement strategies to reduce stress and reinforce social support during pregnancy.