Evaluation of Acute Stress Disorder Following Pregnancy Losses

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate acute stress disorder in women experiencing a pregnancy loss. Material and Methods: The study included 170 pregnant women presenting to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in research and training hospital of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University between February 2013 and July 2013. Fifty-four women experiencing a pregnancy loss before the 21st week of gestation (31%) were assigned into the pregnancy loss group and 116 women whose pregnancy continued without any problems (69%) were assigned into the control group. Data were collected with Posttraumatic Stress disorder Scale (PTSDS) and a questionnaire composed of questions about socio-demographic features and history of pregnancy and diseases.. Results: The mean ages of the pregnancy loss group the control group were 28.83 +/- 7.30 years and 28.87 +/- 5.87 years respectively without a significant difference (p=0.968). The mean score for PTSDS was 32.40 +/- 10.24 (min: 17 and max: 52) in all the participants, 35.83 +/- 11.51 in the pregnancy loss group and 30.81 +/- 9.21 in the control group. The women experiencing a pregnancy loss had significantly higher scores for PTSDS. Conclusion: The study revealed that symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder increased after pregnancy losses. It is of great importance to provide social and psychological support for the couples experiencing a pregnancy loss in terms of their wellbeing. Inability to implement support mechanisms effectively in cases of increased acute stress such as pregnancy loss can predispose to progression to posttraumatic stress disorder.