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. 2018 Aug;30(3):257-263.
doi: 10.7334/psicothema2017.379.

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

Cristina Soto-Balbuena  1 , María F Rodríguez, Ana I Escudero Gomis, Francisco J Ferrer Barriendos, Huynh-Nhu Le, Grupo Pmb-Huca
Affiliations

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

Cristina Soto-Balbuena et al. Psicothema. 2018 Aug.

Abstract

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.

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