Study examines how pregnant Filipina women cope with sociopolitical stress

A study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine explores how expectant mothers manage uncertainties and cope with sociopolitical stressors. Led by Kristine Joy Chua, an assistant professor at the University of Notre Dame, the research focused on 21 pregnant Filipina women interviewed across various regions of the Philippines in 2021.

The research addresses a gap in understanding how external factors, such as turbulent social, political, or economic landscapes, impact maternal health. Such stressors can increase fear and anxiety in pregnant women, potentially leading to complications like preterm birth. The study aims to uncover the creative ways these women manage the psychological and physiological pressures of their changing environments.