Psychological Wellbeing in Pregnancy

A descriptive study was undertaken to assess the level of psychological wellbeing of antenatal women attending selected maternity hospitals OPD at Belgaum, Karnataka. The objectives of the study were: To assess the level of psychological wellbeing, to analyze the difference of psychological wellbeing among antenatal women and to associate psychological wellbeing of antenatal women with selected demographic variables. The population of the study was antenatal women attending selected maternity hospitals OPD, Belgaum. The sample size was 134, selected by Non-Probability, Purposive and Convenient sampling technique. Data collection was done with self-reporting method by using standardized General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) to assess the psychological wellbeing of the antenatal women. The study results were: Majority of the antenatal women were having normal psychological wellbeing and less sample were with evidence of distress. Some of the antenatal women were having psychological problems like decision making, lack of sleep, unable to face problems, couldn't overcome difficulties, stress and felt that not playing useful part in life. The psychological wellbeing differs with month of pregnancy and among homemaker and employed antenatal women, and also with family monthly income and marriage within relation and non-relation. Chi-Square test reveals that there is a significant association between psychological wellbeing and selected demographic variables of antenatal women such as: husband's employment, family monthly income, history of abortion, married within (the relation), and health problems in present pregnancy.