Coping and distress in pregnancy: an investigation of medically high risk women

The association between coping and pregnancy-specific distress was examined in 167 pregnant women at high medical risk. A population-appropriate coping inventory and prenatal distress measure were administered in midpregnancy (mean of 24 weeks gestation). Subjects experienced moderately high levels of distress about preterm delivery physical symptoms, labor and delivery, weight gain, and having an unhealthy baby. They most frequently coped with the demands and challenges of pregnancy through prayer and positive appraisal. Sociodemographic variables including age, income, education, and parity were significantly associated with ways of coping. Coping by avoidance, preparation for motherhood, and substance use were associated with greater distress, whereas coping by positive appraisal was associated with less distress. These effects differed somewhat when levels of global, non-specific distress were controlled. Findings underscore the unique nature of high-risk pregnancy as a stressful life event.