Stress among pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy: impact of a history of spontaneous miscarriage

Spontaneous miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy. Its psychological repercussions are widely documented but few studies have investigated its effect on the woman’s experience of a subsequent pregnancy.To evaluate the impact of prior spontaneous miscarriage on the level of stress experienced by pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy.Cross-sectional, observational study between June and October 2021 in France.A self-report questionnaire was distributed to women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Stress was assessed using the Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory, to yield an overall score, and a score for three dimensions (medical and obstetric risks/fetal health; psychosocial changes; and the prospect of childbirth). Women with a history of prior spontaneous miscarriage and those without were compared.93 women were included ; 63 without and 30 with a history of prior spontaneous miscarriage. Prior spontaneous miscarriage was not associated with the overall score. The score for the dimension “medical and obstetric risks/fetal health” was significantly higher in women with prior spontaneous miscarriage (3.00±0.86 vs 2.34±0.80 ;β=0.61 (0.25–0.96) ;P=0.001). Prior spontaneous miscarriage was significantly associated with the items “the baby’s health” (P=0.048) and “the echography” (P=0.002).This study shows a significant impact of prior spontaneous miscarriage on the level of stress of pregnant women during the first trimester, particularly relating to the medical and obstetric risks/fetal health, underlining the need for appropriate psychological support to be provided to women who experience spontaneous miscarriage.