Stress in pregnancy: Identifying and supporting women

Most women adapt well to pregnancy and current psychological and physiological research findings suggest that as pregnancy progresses many women are less reactive to stress. However research exploring the effects of stress on pregnancy suggests women who experience high levels of stress are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, in particular, preterm birth. Midwives play a key role in identifying and supporting women through stressful experiences. Exploring with women factors associated with stress and the coping skills they use can enhance care and provide an opportunity to promote healthy coping skills. Awareness needs to be raised about the potential impact of stress on pregnancy and how stress might be managed. Further consideration also needs to be given to stress reduction interventions to help women manage their experience of stress.