Hair cortisol levels in pregnant women in relation with stress and pregnancy anxiety during a coronavirus pandemic

BACKGROUND: The research aimed to examine the biological and psychological aspects of stress in pregnant women during a coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, we focused on hair cortisol levels that reflect the second and third trimester of pregnancy, perceived stress, pregnancy anxiety and fear of coronavirus. METHODS: Research group consisted of 40 pregnant women (21 primiparous and 19 multiparous women). A battery of questionnaires consisting of PSS-10, PRAQ-R2, FCV-19S. RESULTS: The results showed that pregnant women had significantly higher levels of hair cortisol in the 3rd trimester compared to the 2nd trimester (z=-2,850, p=0,004, d=-0,45). In pregnancy anxiety, multiparous women had significantly higher scores compared to primiparous women (t(28,81)=- 2,90, p=0,007, d=0,48 especially in the subscale concerns about changes in appearance. There was no relationship between fear of coronavirus and pregnancy anxiety (r=0,301, p=0,059). CONCLUSION: In the 3rd trimester demonstrated significantly higher levels of hair cortisol in pregnant women compared to with the 2nd trimester, and these findings are consistent with other studies.