Coping and distress in pregnancy: an investigation of medically high risk women

The association between coping and pregnancy-specific distress was examined in 167 pregnant women at high medical risk. A population-appropriate copin g inventory and prenatal distress measure were administered in midpregnancy (mean of 24 weeks gestation). Subjects experienced moderately high levels of distress about preterm delivery physical symptoms, labor and delivery, w eight gain, and having an unhealthy baby. They most frequently coped with t he demands and challenges of pregnancy through prayer and positive appraisa l. Sociodemographic variables including age, income, education, and parity were significantly associated with ways of coping. Coping by avoidance, pre paration for motherhood, and substance use were associated with greater dis tress, whereas coping by positive appraisal was associated with less distre ss. These effects differed somewhat when levels of global, non-specific dis tress were controlled. Findings underscore the unique nature of high-risk p regnancy as a stressful life event.