The Role of Perceived Stress and Social Support among Predicting Anxiety in Pregnant Women

introduction: pregnancy anxiety is a common disorder occurred due to various factors. it has significant impact on the outcome of pregnancy. objective: this study aimed at determining the role of perceived stress and social support to tame anxiety among pregnant women. materials and methods: this is a descriptive-analytical study with correlational design. the study’s population included all pregnant women who were referred to ardabil health centers in the second half of 2013 to receive prenatal care. a total of 110 subjects were selected using random sampling method and responded to demographic, perceived stress and social support questionnaires. the data collected was analyzed using pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. results: the results showed that anxiety during pregnancy had a negative correlation with negative perception of stress (r=0.56; p<0.001) and positive correlation with positive perception of stress (r=-0.36; p<0.001). it also has support of friends (r=0.42; p<0.001) and family (r=-0.52; p<0.001) and total score of social protection (r=0.52; p<0.001). results of regression analysis also revealed that 37% of the total variance of pregnancy anxiety is justified by perceived stress and social support. conclusion: the results showed that the perception of stress and social support received by pregnant women play a role in anxiety during pregnancy.