[Evaluation of anxiety and fear of labor in postpartom period]

ABSTRACT

Pregnant women are exposed to biological, physiological, and psychological changes. Furthermore in many patients referred to the medical care [as pregnant women], psychiatric problems are the main causes or complications. Our aim in this descriptive study is to determine the prevalence of fear and anxiety of childbirth in pregnant women referred to four educational hospitals in Tehran; this study was performed from Mar 2003 to Jul 2003. 300 pregnant women who were in 20 to 40 days after childbirth completed 4 questionnaires. Prevalence of the fear of childbirth in our study was 59.7%. And prevalence of anxiety of childbirth was 14.7% mild, 26% low moderate, 23% high moderate, 23.7% slightly severe and 12.7% severe. Also demonstrated was that an increase of age, decrease of the rate of fear and anxiety of childbirth. The rate of fear and anxiety of childbirth in employed women is more than unemployed [housewife's] women, and it was demonstrated that increase rate of gravidity and parity of pregnant women, decreased the rate of fear and anxiety of childbirth . The rate of fear and anxiety of childbirth in women who had difficult labor in the past is more than other women. Also the rate of fear and anxiety of childbirth in women with cesarean section delivery is more than in women with vaginal delivery