The perceived risk of pregnancy as a mediator of the association between prenatal maternal self-efficacy and postnatal subjective well-being

The present study examined the mediating role of a mother's appraisal of the risk of being pregnant in the association between prenatal maternal self-efficacy and postnatal subjective well-being, regardless of actual objective risk. Recruited through public health funds, 582 Israeli women filled out self-reported questionnaires during the third trimester of their pregnancy and about eight weeks postnatal. Results confirmed a mediating effect, implying that health professionals treating pregnant women, have the ability to impact maternal subjective well-being, beyond their physical condition, through their regular pregnancy monitoring checkups. The results are discussed in light of Transactional Stress Theory.