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Psychological Mechanisms in Fear of Childbirth: Intolerance of Uncertainty in Nulliparous and Multiparous Women

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: To gain more insight into psychological mechanisms associated with fear of childbirth (FoC), this study examined the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and FoC in nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women, as well as the moderating role of maternal parity in this relationship, and the role of inhibitory IU and prospective IU in relation to FoC. METHODS: Validated Dutch versions of the Wijma Delivery Expectations Questionnaire version A (W-DEQ-A) and the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale (IUS-12) were filled out by 410 nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women. Statistical analyses in this cross-sectional study included correlation analyses and (multivariate) linear regression analyses. RESULTS: A significant, positive correlation was found between IU and FoC (ρ = 0.425, p < 0.001; b = 1.533, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression identified multiple variables contributing significantly to the level of FoC, with IU remaining the strongest predictor, both for the total group and for nulliparous and multiparous women separately. Maternal parity was not found to moderate the relationship between IU and FoC. Both inhibitory IU and prospective IU were significantly, positively associated with FoC. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of IU are positively associated with higher levels of FoC in both nulliparous and multiparous women. Psychological treatment targeting FoC may benefit from focusing on managing uncertainty and increasing psychological flexibility. Future research is needed to better understand the role of IU in FoC during pregnancy, in order to increase maternal mental health and improve (post-partum) mother-child relationships.

Source: Birth

DOI: 10.1111/birt.70042

Authors: Adriana G. Dias, Frédérique M. Van Dunné, Maria A. S. Reijneveld, Madelein T. Hoogwegt

Institutions: Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, Stichting Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, Leiden University, Leiden University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4416596182

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Cites: 43

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