Pregnancy Unplugged: Study Navigates Health Literacy for Happier Motherhood
Maternal well-being during pregnancy is crucial for the overall health of both the mother and the baby. Recent study aimed to investigate the impact of sociodemographic factors, obstetric variables, and maternal health literacy on pregnant women's well-being during pregnancy. Well-being during pregnancy involves various dimensions such as subjective, social, and psychological aspects, making it an essential component of overall health. Despite the importance of well-being during pregnancy, previous research has mostly focused on other aspects of pregnancy, with limited studies exploring the factors influencing well-being.
The study was conducted in a public hospital in Türkiye, involving 456 pregnant women receiving routine antenatal care. Data collection utilized the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Maternal Information Form, and the Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy (MHELIP). The results showed that maternal health literacy significantly impacted well-being during pregnancy, with higher health literacy levels associated with better well-being. Additionally, sociodemographic factors like education level, employment status, income perception, and residence type were linked to gestational well-being. Pregnant women with higher education levels, secure employment, and adequate income reported better well-being.
Findings on Maternal Health Literacy and Well-Being
Maternal health literacy levels were found to range from limited to adequate, with decision-making and behavior scoring the highest and information search scoring the lowest. Moreover, maternal health literacy emerged as the most significant predictor of well-being during pregnancy. The study highlighted the importance of addressing maternal health literacy to improve access to antenatal care and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Limitations of the Study
However, the study's limitations included its cross-sectional design, limiting causal interpretations, as well as its restriction to a single center in Turkey. Despite these limitations, the results underscored the critical role of maternal health literacy in promoting well-being during pregnancy. Enhancing maternal health literacy can mitigate adverse health outcomes and reduce health inequalities among pregnant women.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, this study emphasized the need to focus on maternal health literacy and sociodemographic factors to enhance maternal well-being during pregnancy. By implementing interventions to improve health literacy and addressing sociodemographic disparities, healthcare professionals can better support pregnant women and contribute to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research, including randomized controlled trials in diverse populations, is recommended to strengthen the evidence base and guide interventions aimed at enhancing maternal health literacy and well-being during pregnancy.
Key Points
- Maternal well-being during pregnancy plays a crucial role in the health of both the mother and the baby, encompassing subjective, social, and psychological dimensions.
- Sociodemographic factors, obstetric variables, and maternal health literacy significantly impact pregnant women's well-being during pregnancy.
- A study conducted in Türkiye with 456 pregnant women revealed that higher maternal health literacy levels were associated with better well-being during pregnancy.
- Maternal health literacy, particularly decision-making and behavior skills, was identified as the most significant predictor of well-being during pregnancy.
- The study emphasized the importance of addressing maternal health literacy to improve access to antenatal care and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
- Recommendations include implementing interventions to improve health literacy and addressing sociodemographic disparities to better support pregnant women and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research, including randomized controlled trials in diverse populations, is suggested to strengthen evidence-based interventions.
Reference –
PıNar Kara (2025). Determinants Of Well-Being In Pregnancy: The Impact Of Sociodemographic And Obstetric Variables And Maternal Health Literacy, Cross Sectional Study. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07654-5.
