Uncertainty and Stress in Women Hospitalized with High-Risk Pregnancy

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe how women hospitalized with high-risk pregnancy perceive the uncertainties and stress of their situations. A sample consisting of 58 hospitalized antepartum women in a tertiary maternity hospital completed the Uncertainty Stress Scale-High-Risk Pregnancy Version 48 hours after admission and at the time of discharge, when going home undelivered. Uncertainty at admission was found to be moderately low for 86% of the women, and was significantly lower at the time of discharge. Higher levels of uncertainty were positively correlated with higher levels of stress from the uncertainty in this sample. Women who stayed longer in the hospital reported higher uncertainty. These results have implications for the assessment, support, teaching, and discharge planning provided by nurses during antepartum hospitalization.