The influence of planned kinds of delivery on pregnant women's emotional state

Objective: To evaluate if labour induction and elective caesarean section could influence anxiety and depression in pregnant women. Methods: One hundred and sixteen consecutive pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy at term, scheduled for these two obstetric procedures were enrolled. An anonymous questionnaire with two self-rating instruments STAI and HAM-A for anxiety and HAM-D for depression was administered. Results: Anxiety levels did not show significant differences while a light depressive mood was evidenced among pregnant women waiting for labour induction (p = 0.01). Conclusions: An adequate psychological support could be considered a helpful tool for pregnant women scheduled for labour induction.