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Relationship between pregnancy discomforts, quality of life, and prenatal attachment

Gizem Çıtak(1), Hilal Bulduk(2),


(1) Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Türkiye
(2) Midwife, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Health, Sciences Graduate Institute, Tokat, Türkiye
Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study aimed to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related discomforts, their impact on quality of life, and prenatal attachment. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 pregnant women followed at a university hospital. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Scale of Complaints Related to Pregnancy and Their Impact on Quality of Life (SCPEQL), and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI).Sociodemographic factors affecting quality of life included age, place of residence, and economic status, while obstetric factors included gestational trimester, risk status, and psychological well-being. The most frequently reported symptoms were incontinence, frequent urination (pollakiuria), and fatigue.Overall, prenatal attachment showed a weak, negative, and non-significant relationship with quality of life (p > 0.05). However, a significant positive association was observed between the “hope” subscale of prenatal attachment—which reflects optimism and positive expectations regarding pregnancy—and the “limitation” subscale of quality of life (p < 0.05).The results of this study indicate that pregnant women frequently experience neuropsychological and genitourinary symptoms, which are associated with decreased quality of life and prenatal attachment scores. These findings highlight the essential role of midwives and nurses in implementing targeted interventions to address both physical complaints and psychological well-being of pregnant women..

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