Association of Psychological Wellbeing with Healthy Pregnancy, Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pakistani Females

Background: Maternal and neonatal health has always been a point of concern for policymakers in Pakistan, understanding all determinants resulting in adverse maternal or fetal outcomes is an essential point to eliminating risk factors and establishing better opportunities for survival for mothers and newborns. This study aims to evaluate the association of psychological wellbeing with pregnancy outcomes, and maternal and neonatal health in the Pakistani population. Objective: To assess the psychological wellbeing in pregnant females and its association with pregnancy outcomes, maternal and neonatal health in Pakistani population. Methods: This is a prospective, cohort study conducted at private antenatal care centers of Karachi from January 2022 till March 2023, the estimated sample size was 384. Kupposwami scale for socio-economic status, psychological assessment Wellbeing in pregnancy questionnaire and satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were used to assess psychological wellbeing during pregnancy. Cross-tabulation and Paired sample t-test was used along with chi-square test, keeping the p-value <= 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean results of the SWL score indicated minimal satisfaction with life with a 12.9 +/- 8.1 mean value. Pre-term labor was reported in 37 (9.6%) and maternal mortality was reported in 9 (2.3%). low birth weight (<1500) was reported in 11 (2.8%) while small for gestational age was reported in 19 (4.9%), neonatal mortality was reported in 15(3.9%). Conclusion: This study concludes that maternal mental health distress is independent risk factor for low birth weight, and preterm deliveries.