PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COPING WITH STRESS IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Annotation:

This article highlights the causes of stress in pregnant women, their psychological characteristics, and the emotional and physiological changes occurring during this period. It also analyzes the importance of psychoprophylaxis and psychocorrection methods in coping with stress. The article emphasizes ways to reduce stress through psychological support, creating a positive environment, and strengthening family relationships.

Keywords: Pregnancy, stress, psychology, emotion, anxiety, psychocorrection, social support, psychoprophylaxis, maternal instinct, psycho-emotional state.

Introduction

Pregnancy is one of the most natural, and at the same time, emotionally delicate periods in a woman’s life. During this time, profound physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes occur in a woman’s body. Therefore, pregnancy requires special attention not only from a medical perspective but also from a psychological one. The pregnant woman’s psychological stability, emotional state, and the level of social support she receives directly affect her health, the mental development of the unborn child, and the well-being of the family environment.

Modern scientific research shows that stress, anxiety, depressive mood, and emotional instability are increasingly common among pregnant women. This is primarily influenced by the fast pace of modern life, economic and social pressures, family conflicts, lack of support, low self-esteem, and natural physiological changes experienced during pregnancy. Sometimes a woman may not experience pregnancy positively, may struggle to accept her condition, or may not feel prepared for motherhood, which intensifies internal psychological tension.

Stress is the body’s response to internal or external stimuli. While short-term stress can enhance adaptability, prolonged stress can seriously harm health. During pregnancy, the effects of stress become even stronger due to hormonal imbalance and increased sensitivity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. As a result, high anxiety, fear, insomnia, and depressive symptoms may appear. These conditions negatively impact not only the mother’s health but also the psychological and physiological development of the fetus.

Providing psychological assistance, family support, a positive environment, and cooperation between medical and psychological specialists play a crucial role in stabilizing the emotional well-being of pregnant women. The application of psychoprophylaxis and psychocorrection methods, teaching women positive thinking, and preparing them to manage their emotions are effective in preventing stress.

The relevance of this topic lies in the fact that the psychological state of pregnant women affects not only their personal lives but also society’s responsibility to nurture a healthy generation. Therefore, studying the psychological characteristics of stress in pregnant women, analyzing its causes and consequences, and developing effective coping mechanisms is one of the important directions in contemporary psychological research.

Methodology

This research employed theoretical and practical methods of psychology.

Methods included:

• Direct interviews and questionnaires
• Observation
• Psychodiagnostic tests
  • Spielberger–Hanin Anxiety Scale
  • Beck Depression Inventory
• Psychological interviews

Research tasks:

• Identifying the main causes of stress in pregnant women
• Assessing the psycho-emotional state and studying its dynamics
• Developing and implementing stress management techniques

Applied Methods and Procedures

The study involved 40 pregnant women aged 25–35 from the gynecology department of Andijan City Family Polyclinic No. 1. Psychodiagnostic tests and interviews were conducted. The results were processed using standard statistical analysis methods in psychology.

Research Results and Analysis

The findings revealed that 68% of pregnant women experienced moderate stress levels, 20% had high anxiety levels, and 12% showed mild emotional instability.

Main stress factors identified:

1. Concerns about the fetus’s health
2. Conflicts in family relationships
3. Financial difficulties
4. Hormonal changes and dissatisfaction with physical appearance

Analysis

The results show that women who receive strong social and family support experience significantly lower stress levels. Those who receive psychological counseling and emotional support cope with their condition more easily and maintain psychological stability even after childbirth.

Discussion and Recommendations

The following recommendations are essential when working with pregnant women:

• Conduct psychological training sessions and counseling
• Introduce family psychocorrection programs to strengthen marital relations
• Recommend emotional relaxation techniques, music therapy, and breathing exercises
• Enhance cooperation between medical and psychological services

Important Factors

• Hormonal changes influence emotional stability
• Social environment and family relationships determine stress levels
• Psychological support is crucial for the health of both mother and baby

Conclusion

The analyses show that the physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes occurring during pregnancy significantly influence a woman’s overall mental state. Although stress is a natural protective response, its intensification can lead to psychological instability, anxiety, depression, and emotional tension. Therefore, studying the psychological aspects of stress management during pregnancy is important not only scientifically but also practically.

The research results confirm that the psychological stability of pregnant women is closely linked to their social environment, the level of family support, the quality of marital relationships, and the availability of medical and psychological assistance. A positive psychological atmosphere, affection, and a sense of being valued reduce stress levels, restore emotional balance, and ensure healthy motherhood.

Implementing psychoprophylaxis and psychocorrection programs during pregnancy, teaching stress management techniques, and using psychological methods such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and music therapy produce positive outcomes. These methods not only stabilize the woman’s emotional state but also positively influence the healthy psychological development of the baby.

A mother’s emotional well-being during pregnancy is not only a personal matter but also a social priority, as a psychologically healthy mother gives birth to a healthy child – shaping the physical and moral well-being of future generations.

References

1. Abdurakhmonova, G. Psychological Characteristics of Pregnant Women. Tashkent, 2020.
2. Beck, A. Foundations of Cognitive Therapy. Moscow, 2019.
3. Spielberger, Ch. The Psychology of Measuring Anxiety and Stress. Saint Petersburg, 2018.
4. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Reference Materials, 2023.
5. Yusupova, D. Perinatal Psychology. TDPU Publishing, 2022.
6. Lazarus, R. Stress and Emotion: A New Synthesis. Springer, 2006.
7. APA Psychological Bulletin. Pregnancy and Stress Management, 2021.
8. World Health Organization (WHO). Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy. Geneva, 2022.