Obstetrical complications, by definition, imply a threat to the health and well-being of the mother, her developing infant, or both [32], [33]. Over 20?% of all pregnancies involve obstetrical risks and account for up to 8000 births per year in British Columbia (BC), Canada alone [34]. While pregnancy can be a source of stress and anxiety for women who are experiencing normal, low-risk pregnancy, it is likely much more stressful and anxiety producing for women experiencing a pregnancy fraught with difficulties [35]. It is therefore likely that the prevalence of stress and AD among women experiencing a medically high-risk pregnancy may be even higher. Understanding the extent of stress and anxiety among high-risk obstetrical patients would provide extremely important information regarding the mental health needs of this group of vulnerable women. Despite the serious nature of medically high-risk pregnancies, which contribute to excess maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and corner a disproportionate among of health services expenditures, to date there have been no systematic studies of the prevalence of perinatal stress and anxiety among these women. This research aims to address this gap.
Objectives