Psychological implications of long-term care for women with high-risk pregnancies

Stefano Di Michele

First

;Carla Ortu;Alessandro Caiazzo;Antonio Verrengia;Doriana Madeo;Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda;Stefano Angioni

Last

2025-01-01

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Abstract

Background: The psychological implications of prolonged hospitalization for women with high-risk pregnancies are often overlooked. Objective: To quantify the psychological stressors experienced during high-risk pregnancies and underscore the importance of psychological support. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 53 pregnant women admitted for at least seven days with singleton or twin high-risk pregnancies. Participants completed a standardized sociodemographic/obstetric data form and the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment Hospital Form (CBA-H) test. Statistical analyses were performed using PSPP and SPSS 20 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The sample exhibited significantly elevated levels of situational (state) anxiety (p=0.001), reduced mood (p=0.009), neuroticism (p=0.001), and hostility (p = 0.004) compared to normative values. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with diminished psychophysical well-being, while early hospitalization at lower gestational ages correlated with lower Apgar scores at 5 minutes and reduced birth weight and length. Conclusion: High-risk pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to psychological stressors, which can adversely affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of early psychological screening and tailored support protocols in high-risk obstetric settings to enhance maternal mental health and perinatal outcomes.