Pregnancy involves physiological, psychological, and social changes. Pregnancy-related anxiety can negatively affect maternal mental health, whereas self-compassion and well-being serve as protective factors. This study examined the relationships between pregnancy-related anxiety, self-compassion, and well-being in pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 220 pregnant women attending a gynecology outpatient clinic in northern Türkiye. Data were collected using the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PrAS), Well-Being in Pregnancy Scale (WIP), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Pregnancy-related anxiety was negatively associated with well-being (r = -.232, p < .01) and self-compassion (r = -.605, p < .01). Regression analyses showed that subdimensions of anxiety and well-being significantly predicted self-compassion, explaining 55.2% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.552, p < .001). Higher pregnancy-related anxiety is linked to lower self-compassion and well-being, whereas positive psychological resources may buffer these effects. Interventions targeting anxiety reduction and enhancement of self-compassion and well-being are recommended to support maternal mental health.
Uyanık et al. (Mon,) studied this question.