Factors Associated with Pregnancy-Related Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The experience of general anxiety is common during pregnancy. However, research suggests that anxiety experienced during pregnancy is less generalised and more specific. This form of anxiety is known as Pregnancy-Related Anxiety (PrA). Research consistently supports the notion that PrA is a distinct anxiety disorder but poor conceptual understanding remains a challenge to the knowledge in this field. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore prevalence of PrA and pregnancy-related factors associated with levels of PrA. A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted (PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Embase). A total of 18 primary studies, consisting of 10,177 participants were included in the final analyses. Nine analyses were conducted including: prevalence of high rates of PrA by proportions, and standardised mean differences of pregnancy trimesters, parity, method of conception and history of pregnancy loss. Results found that 14.1% of women experienced high levels of PrA. They were also suggestive that nulliparous women and those with a history of pregnancy loss may be likely to experience higher levels of PrA. Further research is recommended to allow for better understanding of the prevalence of PrA and its associated factors, and to enable better support programs to be provided to women during the prenatal period. Keywords: pregnancy-related anxiety; pregnancy-specific anxiety; parity; spontaneous conception; assisted reproduction; pregnancy loss