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Coronaviruses

Fear of COVID-19 and Stress in Pregnant Women

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pregnancy is a period of significant changes and challenges for women, made even more daunting by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at the University of Opole have investigated the relationship between fear of COVID-19, stress, and life satisfaction in pregnant women during this time. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, aimed to identify predictors of fear of childbirth and life satisfaction in pregnant women. The results provide insights into the importance of personal resources, such as hardiness, in adapting to difficult life events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 247 pregnant women aged 18 to 39 and used five tools to assess fear of COVID-19, stress, fear of childbirth, hardiness, and life satisfaction.
  • Significant positive correlations were observed between fear of COVID-19 and perinatal infection stress (r = 0.74), indicating a strong link between fear of the virus and stress related to childbirth.
  • Personal resources, such as hardiness, were found to be important for experiencing fear of childbirth, suggesting that strengthening these resources can help alleviate fear and stress in pregnant women.
  • The study identified fear of childbirth and life satisfaction as two predictors of fear of COVID-19 in pregnant women.
  • The researchers recommend that healthcare providers consider the importance of personal resources, such as hardiness, when supporting pregnant women during the pandemic.
  • The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address fear and stress in pregnant women, particularly those who are vulnerable to perinatal infection stress.

Statistics:

  • 247 pregnant women participated in the study, aged 18 to 39.
  • The study found a significant positive correlation between fear of COVID-19 and perinatal infection stress (r = 0.74).
  • 71% of the participants reported experiencing fear of childbirth.
  • 65% of the participants reported experiencing stress.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from University of Opole in COVID-19 Reported (Fear of COVID-19, Stress, Fear of Childbirth, Hardiness and Life Satisfaction in Polish Pregnant Women During the Pandemic). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 53.
  • Journal of Clinical Medicine. Fear of COVID-19, Stress, Fear of Childbirth, Hardiness and Life Satisfaction in Polish Pregnant Women During the Pandemic, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025;14(19):6842.
  • Mdpi, St Alban-Anlage 66, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland (publisher contact information for the Journal of Clinical Medicine)

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