Essay on a case relating to complex pregnancy Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

On a case relating to complex pregnancy - Essay Example Perceived psychosocial stress as well as the overall psychological wellbeing of a woman during pregnancy has been attributed to preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation (Dolatian, Mirabzadeh, Forouzan, Sajjadi, Majd et al, 2013). Empirical evidence supports the conclusion that preterm delivery is predicated by lack of social support, which increases the risk for psychosocial stress (Ghosh, Wilhelm, Dunkel-schetter, Lombardi, & Ritz, 2010); from the case study, Kylie is described as a 40 year old G6PO with her 6th IVF pregnancy who presents alone to the birth unit of the local tertiary hospital. The fact that Kylie has had 6 IVF pregnancies and presents alone to the local tertiary hospital suggests that she could be living alone, unmarried or unsupported, and without adequate social support from family or friends. Upon further enquiry, Kylie discloses experiencing anxiety and depression related to her recent separation from her husband of ten years; Kylie is referred to th e Obstetric social worker and psychologist for support since it was evident that her depression and anxiety was related to her lack of social support. Research indicates that preterm delivery is common in women of lower social class, unmarried, or unsupported mothers (Mannem, & Chava, 2011); lack of social support greatly predisposes such women to psychosocial stress. The presence of a spouse and social cycles greatly reduce the risk for psychosocial stress for pregnant women because they are able to share their fears and frustrations thereby alleviating the risk of worry and anxiety that may trigger preterm labor and delivery (Mirabzadeh, Dolatian, Forouzan, Sajjadi, Majd et al, 2013). In that respect, the lack of social support that greatly predisposes Kylie to psychosocial stress is highly predictive of preterm labor and delivery that she