Effect of psychological intervention on post-traumatic stress symptoms and pregnancy outcomes among women with previous recurrent abortion

Abstract

Background: Recurrent abortion is both physically and psychologically a traumatic experience. Some women also experience anxiety, anger, posttraumatic stress, and guilt about future childbearing. Supportive psychotherapy aims to minimize deterioration and maximize competence within the limitations imposed by the illness. The purpose of the study was to study the effect of psychological intervention on post-traumatic stress symptoms and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women with previous recurrent abortion.

Methods: Research design: a quasi-experimental research design (with pre-post measurements) was used in this study. Subjects: A purposive sample of 40 pregnant women was recruited. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection: interviewing questionnaire and posttraumatic stress disorder checklist.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post intervention results regarding stress symptoms severity after the intervention. Psychological intervention was associated with positive pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions and recommendations: The first research hypothesis was accepted as it was found that the psychological intervention decreased post traumatic stress symptoms among studied women. The second hypothesis was also accepted as the psychological intervention was associated with positive pregnancy outcomes. Manage women with recurrent abortion within the purview of holistic nursing practice which address the bio-psychosocial responses of abortion.