Systemic clinical and psychological risk factors of threatened miscarriage in women with extragenital pathology

Background: The present study focuses on the problem of pregnancy maintaining in women with specific somatic conditions (an extragenital pathology). Aim: The paper aims to establish systemic clinical and psychological risk factors for the development of pregnancy termination in women with extragenital pathology, as well as determine the psychological markers of pregnancy termination and the psychological resources for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Materials and methods: The data were obtained from the medical records of pregnant women, sociodemographic questionnaires and psychodiagnostic tests. The descriptive, comparative, correlational and discriminant methods were used for statistical analysis. 100 women participated in the study, 50 of them had the risk of pregnancy termination. Results: The risk factors of threatened miscarriage in women with extragenital pathology were identified: unconditional faith in God and transfer of the responsibility for pregnancy and childbirth; an unwanted pregnancy; negative attitude to all pregnancy-related restrictions; the dominant motive for pregnancy maintenance characterized by the wish to achieve a new social status; high self-worth; heightened self-esteem and lack of self-value and child significance; rigidity, tendency to behave and think stereotypically. The markers of pregnancy termination development were revealed: women's desire to satisfy their needs for finding the meaning of life and for new social status achievement. The resources for healthy pregnancy were identified: the acceptance of pregnancy with all its physiological and social changes; value of the child and interest in his/her intrauterine manifestations; responsibility taking and vital activity. Higher activity indicators were associated with more favorable psycho-emotional status (lower frustration and anxiety and higher positive emotions) and higher probability of pregnancy maintenance. Conclusion: The study contributes to the development of comprehensive programs of medical and psychological support for pregnant women with somatic pathologies as well as to the practice of pre-pregnancy counseling.