Trajectory of perceived social support on maternal and its related factors-a longitudinal research in Southwest China

Objective

At present, a large number of research results showed that social support is highly correlated with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm during pregnancy and some adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, most studies have been cross-sectional studies on maternal social support. This longitudinal study investigated the developmental trajectory of perinatal social support and associated factors.

Methods

A total of 1485 pregnant women were investigated using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and followed up during the third trimester and postpartum period. Informed consent was obtained before the research began.

Results

PSSS scores in the first, third and postpartum periods were 68.72, 67.21, and 66.93, respectively, which exhibited a gradual downward trend with the progression of pregnancy and were related to factors such as occupation, per capita monthly income, professional postpartum care, and expectation of newborn sex (P ​< ​0.05).

Conclusion

Social support from policymakers and maternal care workers as well as adequate life and psychological support from family members should be provided to avoid adverse outcomes and emotions, such as anxiety and depression, during pregnancy.