Social suport received by primiparae and multiparae in the perinatal period

Abstract

O b j e c t i v e s . The aim of the study was to establish if the social support received by primiparae in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period differs significantly from the social support received by multiparae, and if there are any differences in the satisfaction with life among the women involved in the study. M e t h o d s . The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) as well as the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in the study. A total of 199 women in the third trimester of pregnancy and after physiological birth or caesarean section (only 188) took part in the study. R e s u l t s . In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy the primiparae received significantly more emotional and instrumental support than the multiparae. In the postpartum period no difference was found between the social support received by the primiparae and the one received by the multiparae. There is no difference in life satisfaction between primiparae and multiparae in the gestation and postpartum period. C o n c l u s i o n s . Study of received social support and life satisfaction is necessary in order to define what assistance programmes should be created for women and their families while they are in the perinatal period.