Presentation Information

Creating Calm: Effective Strategies for Reducing Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy

• Speaker: Dr. Ruth Oshikanlu , RN RM RSCPHN BSc PGDip PGDip MSc DUniv
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 75 Mins
• Credits: 1.25 CERP, 1.25 ACM CPD, 1.25 ACNM CEU, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

Anxiety and stress in pregnancy are risk factors for adverse outcomes for mothers, babies and their families. Anxiety in pregnancy is associated with shorter gestation and has adverse implications for foetal neurodevelopment and child outcomes. There are numerous factors associated with stress and anxiety in pregnancy.

Midwives and other healthcare professionals providing care for pregnant women play a key role in identifying and supporting women through stressful pregnancy experiences and in raising awareness of the importance of managing stress and anxiety in pregnancy.

Healthcare professionals providing antenatal care should understand the concept and significance of perinatal stress and anxiety, the implications for the mother and her foetus, how to address it clinically, further investigating effects of clinically significant affective disturbances on maternal and child outcomes, considering a mother's broad socio-economic, cultural, spiritual and environmental context. They should have knowledge of evidence-based tools and strategies that help with stress reduction in pregnancy, working in partnership with women, their families and other professionals involved in their care, for optimal pregnancy outcomes.