The impact of perceived social support on prenatal attachment and anxiety in pregnancy

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of perceived social support on prenatal attachment and anxiety during pregnancy. Material and method: The study was performed with a total of 200 pregnant women who agreed to participate within the research in Merkez Efendi State Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital and Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic in central part of Manisa in Turkish Republic between October, 2016 and March, 2017. In this study, "Pregnant Descriptive Form", "Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale", "Prenatal Attachment Scale" and "Beck Anxiety Scale" were used. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and the Prenatal Attachment Scale (r = 0,327, p <0,05). A statistically significant relationship was found between the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale family subscale and the Beck Anxiety Scale (r = -0,147, p <0,05). It was determined that the perceived social support score increases as the level of education in pregnancy increases (p<0,05). As the adaptation of pregnants to their husbands increase, the anxiety rates of pregnancy decrease (p <0,05). Conclusion: The prenatal attachment rate increases as the perceived social support increases in pregnancy. As perceived social support increases, the level of anxiety experienced during pregnancy decreases. It is recommended that social support should be provided to pregnant women to meet their needs in order to increase prenatal integration and reduce anxiety during pregnancy. Key words: Pregnancy, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support, Prenatal Attachment, Anxiety