Perception of threat and subjective well-being in low-risk and high-risk pregnant women.

The article reports a study examining the relationship between perceived threat and subjective well-being (positive and negative affect) in pregnant women. Subjects were multiparas classified as having low-risk or high-risk pregnancies and receiving prenatal care from private obstetricians. High-risk women were using home uterine activity monitoring and receiving nursing contact by telephone and home visit. By means of repeated measure analysis of variance, significant risk group differences were found in negative affect and degree of perceived threat. The event of the high-risk pregnancy appeared to be stressful to the high-risk group, with high-risk pregnant women indicating more negative emotions. Based on the findings of this study, interventions to assist women in managing stress should be focused on the second trimester. A balance between personal support and technologic intervention is necessary.