Incidence, prevalence and risk factors related to anxiety symptoms during pregnancy.

UNLABELLED

Symptoms of anxiety are one of the most prevalent emotional responses in women during their reproductive phase and especially during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the incidence and prevalence of anxiety throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy in addition to studying the possible risk factors associated with anxiety symptoms.

METHOD

A sample of 385 pregnant women participated in a longitudinal study in which the GAD-7 questionnaire was used.

RESULTS

Anxiety prevalence was 19.5% in the first trimester. In the second trimester, it was 16.8%, with an incidence of 0.048%. In the third trimester, it was 17.2%, with an incidence of 0.068%. The following predictive factors of anxiety symptoms were identified: being a smoker, presence of previous illness and changes in social relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

High incidence and prevalence of anxiety symptoms occur during pregnancy; consequently, applicable preventive policies should be developed.