Strategies of coping with the stress of pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B and C

153 pregnant women with chronic viral hepatitis and 34 healthy pregnant women were observed. In the investigation, the technique of the study of coping-behavior, developed by E. Heim was applied. In the first trimester, adaptive behavioral strategies in pregnant women with chronic viral hepatitis statistically differed from the strategies of the control group. During the second trimester, differences between pregnant women with chronic viral hepatitis and healthy women increased: not only behavioral but also emotional sphere was affected. In the third trimester, coping with stress occurred according to data noted in pregnant women during the second trimester. Qualitative characteristics of coping were implemented through conversion, problem analysis, optimism and cooperation. Non-adaptive styles in women with chronic viral hepatitis manifested themselves in the behavior of active avoidance, resignation; in the cognitive sphere - dissimulation, neglect, and humility; in the emotional sphere - obedience, selfaccusation and aggressiveness. Healthy women actively used the whole range of adaptive styles throughout pregnancy: in the field of behavioral altruism, cooperation, appeal; in the cognitive sphere of preservation of self-control, problem analysis, identification of self-worth; in the emotional sphere protest and optimism. Non-adaptive styles rarely used: active avoidance behavior, dissimulation in cognitive images. Only in the emotional sphere, use of non-adaptive styles before childbirth increased: suppression of emotions, self-blame, aggressiveness were registered.