Predictors of Pregnancy-Related Emotions

BACKGROUND: The study explores the pregnancy-related emotions of women. The investigated predictive factors include the woman’s age, previous maternal experiences, especially miscarriage or birth defects, skills related to maternity, pregnancy planning, objective and subjective health status, social relationships and social support, especially the partner relationship, and housing status. METHODS: The Czech ELSPAC data obtained from 4,890 pregnant women was used. RESULTS: Age, partnership, previous pregnancy experience, pregnancy planning, and standard of housing all relate significantly to the emotions in the first month and in the sixth month of pregnancy. A change in the mother’s emotional experience during pregnancy is significantly predicted by subjective health and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Health, social relationships, material conditions, and psychological preparedness affect the positive emotional experience of pregnancy. Women who planned to become pregnant are more content. However, the overall emotional experience also relates to the social and psychological preparedness for the upcoming changes.