Effect of post traumatic stress on birth parameters

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the stress caused by the February 6, Kahramanmaraş earthquake on the birth parameters of pregnant women. Material and Method: The study was conducted with 320 pregnant women who experienced the February 6, 2023 earthquake and who applied to Kahta State Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Department for delivery between October 31 and December 30, 2023.The research data were collected using the Personal Information Form and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (PTSD). Data were evaluated using SPSS 25.0 package program. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation), t test in independent groups, Kruskal Wallis test, Pearson correlation analysis, Multiple Linear Regression analysis and Cronbach's alpha analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: In the study, it was found that women with babies who were small for birth week had higher mean PTSD scores compared to women with babies who developed parallel to birth week (β=0.165, p=0.007). Each unit increase in baby weight (β=0.188, p=0.002) and head circumference (β=0.160, p=0.009) caused a significant increase in PTSD score. Conclusion: Post-traumatic stress during pregnancy due to earthquake was found to affect fetal development, weight and head circumference. Therefore, it is thought that interventions to reduce maternal stress during pregnancy may support both maternal psychological health and fetal development. Keywords: Earthquake, Birth parameters, Pregnant, Post traumatic stress