Low psychosocial resources during early pregnancy are not associated with prolonged labour

Objectives: To examine if a low level of psychosocial resources in early pregnancy is associated with the occurrence of prolonged tabour. Study design: A cross sectional study of 644 women expecting their first child. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire at their first antenatal visit, measuring psychosocial resources defined as social network and support, work-related psychosocial factors, control of daily life and health characteristics. Outcome was prolonged labour at the end of the pregnancy. Results: A low level of psychosocial resources was not associated with prolonged tabour. The majority of women reported that the degree of support was high in early pregnancy. Conclusions: A perceived low level of psychosocial resources in early pregnancy did not increase the risk of prolonged tabour at the subsequent delivery. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.