International Journal Dental and Medical Sciences Research Volume 6, Issue 5, Sep - Oct 2024 pp 235-240 www.ijdmsrjournal.com ISSN: 2582-6018 DOI: 10.35629/5252-0605235240 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 235 To Assess the Relationship Between pregnancy Related Anxiety and Perceived Social Support in Third Trimester Antenatal Females- A Cross-Sectional Study. Dr. Samragyi Praeek, Dr. Vikas Gaur, Dr. Swati Choudhary Designation- Postgraduate Resident (3 rd year), Institute- Department of Psychiatry, JNUIMSRC, Jaipur Désignation- Professor and Head Of Department, Institute- Department of Psychiatry, JNUIMSRC, Jaipur Désignation- Assistant Professor, Institute- Department of Psychiatry, JNUIMSRC, Jaipur --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted: 01-10-2024 Accepted: 10-10-2024 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND- Antenatal anxiety have been shown to negatively affect both obstetric and fetal outcomes, while also increasing the likelihood of postnatal mental health problems. As a result, social support during pregnancy is essential in managing these concerns. However, an extensive review of the literature revealed no existing studies examining the specific relationship between perceived social support and symptoms anxiety during pregnancy. This study seeks to explore the link between social support and anxiety symptoms in Indian women. METHODS- Pregnant women in their last trimester who visited the antenatal clinic were invited to join the study. Those who were eligible filled out forms detailing their socio-demographic and clinical information. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Pregnancy Anxiety Questionnaire - Revised 2 (PRAQ-R2) and social support was assessed using Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS- The group showing significant pregnancy related anxiety includes 51 participants, accounting for 42.5% of the sample. There is a moderate negative correlation with perceived social support (r = -0.53, p = 0.001), suggesting that higher levels of pregnancy-related anxiety are associated with lower levels of perceived social support. CONCLUSION- A considerable proportion of pregnant women had anxiety symptoms, which poses serious health concerns. Low support have a significant association with symptoms of anxiety. As such, targeted screening of expectant women for social support is essential. I. BACKGROUND- Pregnancy is a time marked by significant physiological and psychosocial changes in women, which heightens the risk of developing mental health issues. Among the most prevalent mental health conditions during pregnancy are depression and anxiety. 1,2 ` Antenatal anxiety refers to heightened worries related to pregnancy, childbirth, the baby’s health, and future parenting responsibilities. According to a global meta- analysis, the estimated prevalence of antenatal anxiety is 34.4% in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 19.4% in high-income nations. 3,4 Risk factors for antenatal anxiety include prior pregnancy loss, stress, pregnancy-related abuse, a history of mental health issues, smoking or substance use, alcohol consumption, antenatal depression, unplanned pregnancies, low social support, and strained relationships with partners. 5-10 Thus, to tackle these challenges the need for social support during pregnancy is vital. 11 Social support refers to the financial, instrumental, emotional, and psychological assistance provided by a social network, including family, friends, and members of the community. 12 It enhances social connections and supports overall health and well-being, contributing to a successful pregnancy. 13 A lack of social support can prevent expectant mothers from accessing necessary help and resources, potentially worsening psychological problems. Additionally, pregnant women who receive inadequate social support may be less likely to acknowledge the changes that occur during pregnancy, which could discourage them from following recommended prenatal care practices. The connection between social support and symptoms of anxiety has been largely understudied both in india and worldwide. Additionally, the existing research reveals gaps and inconsistencies in understanding how social support relate to mental health issues in pregnant women. Gaining insight into these relationships can help in designing targeted community-based social support programs to improve the mental well-being of pregnant women. Therefore, to address the above mentioned gaps in the current literature this study examined the association between pregnancy related anxiety