IMPACT OF A SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN UPON THEIR PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AT MATERNITY HOSPITALS IN BAGHDAD CITY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of a social support for pregnant women upon their pregnancy
outcome
Methodology: A descriptive purposive study was used to assess the impact of a social support on
their pregnancy outcomes. The study was conducted from (22 \ September \ 2020 to 15 \
February \ 2021). A non-probability sample (purposive sample) was selected from 100 women.
Data were collected through an interview with the mother in the counseling clinic, during the
third trimester of pregnancy, as well as after childbirth in the labor wards to assess the outcome
of pregnancy. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages).
Results: The most important thing observed in this study was the positive pregnancy outcome for
women with high social support during pregnancy. But the women suffering from a low social
support in this study (18%) stillbirth at P. value (.042).
Recommendations: social support during pregnancy provides some buffer from its enduring
effects. Interventions designed to enhance pregnancy social support may not only improve
maternal wellbeing, but may also safeguard infant health. Increased social support may improve
maternal mental health during pregnancy and this association should be assessed in longitudinal
studies.