Fatma ÇAKIR, Fatma Deniz SAYINER, Gökhan AÇMAZ
Türk Fen ve Sağlık Dergisi - 2026;7(3):183-192
Purpose: This study aimed to compare sleep quality and childbirth - and postpartum -related fear between third -trimester pregnant women and non-pregnant women and to examine the relationship between sleep quality and childbirth -related fear among pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive, cross -sectional study was conducted between November 2014 and August 2015 at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Data were collected from 200 pregnant women in the third trimester and 200 non -pregnant women using a socio -demographic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Fear of Childbirth and Postpartum Period Scale (FCPPS). Results: Poor sleep quality was significantly more common among pregnant women than non -pregnant women (73.0% vs. 47.0%, p<0.001). Pregnant women had significantly higher PSQI total scores and worse subjective sleep quality, longer sleep latency, and more sleep disturbances (p<0.05). Nulliparous women reported significantly higher FCPPS scores than multiparous women (p<0.05). Pregnant women with back pain and leg cramps had significantly higher childbirth -related fear scores than those without these symptoms (p<0.05). Concerns related to labor, lack of postpartum partner support, and pre -labor anxiety were significantly higher among pregnant women than among non -pregnant women (p<0.05). No significant correlation was observed between PSQI and FCPPS scores among pregnant women (p>0.05). Conclusion: Third -trimester pregnant women experienced poorer sleep quality and greater childbirth - and postpartum -related fear than non -pregnant women. Although sleep quality was not significantly associated with childbirth -related fear, nulliparity and pregnancy -related physical discomforts were associated with higher anxiety levels. Routine antenatal care should therefore include separate assessments of sleep quality and childbirth -related fear to facilitate timely supportive interventions.
