Investigation of the relationship between pregnancy-related anxiety and self-compassion level in unplanned pregnancies

This study was conducted with a cross-sectional and descriptive research design to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related anxiety and self-compassion levels in unplanned pregnancies. The population of the study consisted of pregnant women who presented to the pregnancy follow-up clinic of Adıyaman University Women's and Children's Hospital. The sample group consisted of 339 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, London Unplanned Pregnancy Scale, Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale-Revision-2, and Self-Compassion Scale via face-to-face interviews between November 2023 and January 2024. According to the findings, 74.3% of the participants' pregnancies were planned, while 25.6% were unplanned. The participants' pregnancy-related anxiety level was 31.24±8.02, and their self-compassion level was 79.86±17.82. While pregnancy-related anxiety and self-compassion levels did not differ significantly based on occupation, economic status, or individual pregnancy perception, significant differences were found in self-compassion levels based on the spouse's pregnancy-related thoughts. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between pregnancy-related anxiety and self-compassion; planned pregnancies increased self-compassion, and self-compassion had a predictive effect on anxiety.