Level of Stress and Coping Strategies used during third trimester of pregnancy among Primi Antenatal mothers

Pregnancy is the privilege of experiencing God’s miracles on the earth. Childbirth is a new experience to the primigravida women. It is a time when a woman’s power and strength emerge full force, but it is also a vulnerable time and a time of many changes presenting opportunities for personal growth. Pregnancy and childbirth is a normal life event, yet women are exposed to significant amount of stress. It’s just as important to look after your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy as your physical health. If you are mentally healthy, you will be in the best position to manage the challenges of pregnancy and life with a new baby. Aim of study: To assess the level of stress and coping strategies during third trimester of pregnancy among primi antenatal mothers with a view to recommend stress relieving strategies to be under taken during the antenatal period. Methodology: A quantitative approach non-experimental prospective correlational research design was chosen for the study. The study was conducted in selected hospital in Kottakkal, Kerala, India. The sample size of 30 primi antenatal mothers admitted in gynaec wards by non-probability purposive sampling technique. After taking the consent, data were collected using socio-demographic performa, structured stress scale, structured coping strategy scale. Data were analyzed and interpreted by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results and Conclusion: The analysis revealed that 70% of primi antenatal mothers experience mild stress and 30% experience moderate stress, 80% of the primi antenatal mothers have good coping strategy and remaining 20% have excellent coping strategy. There is a significant association exists between the level of stress of primi antenatal mothers during their third trimester of pregnancy with selected socio demographic variable gestational diabetes and there is a significant correlation exists between the level of stress and coping strategies among primi antenatal mothers during their third trimester of pregnancy (p value<0.05).