The effect of perceived social support in pregnant women on baby preparation and anxiety levels

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of perceived social support on baby preparation and anxiety levels in pregnant women. The universe of this descriptive study was 295 pregnant women who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic of Çorum Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital between January 15, 2025 and March 15, 2025 and who met the inclusion criteria and participated voluntarily. The data of the study were collected using the Personal Information Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Baby Preparation and Anxiety Scale (BAAS). Descriptive statistics, t test, variance analysis, regression and Pearson correlation analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. It was found that %72 of the pregnant women had planned pregnancies, %58 had received information about baby care, and %76.9 had a relative who would help with baby care. There was a statistically significant difference between the total mean MSPSS scores of the pregnant women according to their marriage duration, pregnancy planning status, place of receiving information about baby care, baby's gender, miscarriage history, risky pregnancy history, family type, and level of relationship with the spouse (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the total mean MSPSS scores of the pregnant women according to their education status, income status, pregnancy planning status, receiving information about baby care, level of relationship with the spouse, and the spouse's involvement in housework (p<0.05). There is a statistically significant, negative and low-level relationship between the sub-dimensions of Family Support, Friend Support, Special Person Support, and the total MSPSS score and the total score of the MSPSS (p<0.05). As multidimensional perceived social support increases in pregnant women, the level of preparation for the baby and anxiety decrease.