How have the lives of pregnant women changed in the last 30 years?

Abstract

Background: To what extent have the characteristics and needs of pregnant women changed over time? This cross-sectional, comparative study describes some socio-demographic, mental health and lifestyle characteristics of two samples of pregnant women assessed 30 years apart.

Methods: We recruited two samples of pregnant women who were attending their first clinic visit at the same large Queensland maternity hospital 30 years apart between 1981 to 1984 (Sample A, N=6753) and 2011-2012 (Sample B, N=2156). The women were compared using the same survey tool. Descriptive statistics are presented. Pearson's chi-square tests were undertaken (significance at <0.05) to determine how the characteristics and needs of pregnant women may be changing over time.

Findings: Women, recently sampled, were older, more highly-educated and were more likely to be living with, but not married to, their partners, as well as having their first baby, than were women 30 years ago. As well, recently sampled, pregnant women were more likely to be non-smokers, to have higher body mass indexes and more symptoms of anxiety, but were less likely to be having an unplanned pregnancy.

Conclusion: This study found a number of differences between the socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles and mental health of two samples of pregnant women assessed 30 years apart. Our findings suggest the need for ongoing monitoring of pregnant women to determine changing health priorities. Being more educated, today's women may be more amenable to health education interventions. Higher body mass indexes for recently sampled women, highlights an emerging problem that needs to be addressed.

Keywords: Alcohol; Mental health; Obesity; Pregnancy; Smoking.