Quality of Life During Pregnancy from 2011 to 2021: Systematic Review

Purpose: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has emerged as a key concern in patient care. It has become one of the major objectives of clinical trials. Our study aims to describe the quality of life (QoL) during uncomplicated pregnancy and to assess its associated factors. Patients and Methods: The search of articles was carried out using the online database of PUBMED and Web of Science with a limit of time between 2011 and 2021. Data were retrieved by two independent reviewers. Results: 721 publications responding to keywords were identified, of which 73 articles on the topic were selected. The main countries that have published on this subject are Australia (n = 10) and China (n = 7). Twenty-three articles deal with QoL for pathological pregnancies. All the pathologies studied have a negative impact on the HRQoL of pregnant women, and its improvement depends on the type of treatment. Obesity, low back, and pelvic girdle pain, and hyperemesis gravidarum were the frequent pathologies during pregnancy. Socio-demographic characteristics related to improved well-being (favorable economic status, social support). Similarly, better sleep quality and moderate physical exercise were linked to an increased QoL. Physical and psychological factors were associated with a lower QoL. Conclusion: The HRQoL refers to patients' subjective evaluation of physical, mental, and social components of well-being. Optimizing the QoL during pregnancy necessitates a deeper understanding of their issues as well as counseling which provides support wherever needed.

Automated summary

This study aims to describe the quality of life during uncomplicated pregnancy and identify its associated factors. The results show that pathological pregnancies have a negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of pregnant women, with the type of treatment influencing improvement. Obesity, low back and pelvic girdle pain, and hyperemesis gravidarum are common pathologies during pregnancy. Socio-demographic characteristics, favorable economic status, social support, better sleep quality, and moderate physical exercise are associated with an increased quality of life. Physical and psychological factors are associated with a lower quality of life.