Expression of Feelings by Pregnant Women Living in Two Different Geographic Regions and Their Adaptation to Pregnancy: Hungary and Turkey Cases

Objective: While pregnancy is seen as a normal condition in pregnant women, physical, psychological and social changes can also be experienced. This study was conducted to investigate expression of feelings by pregnant women living in two different geographic regions and their adaptation to pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with 211 pregnant women who were admitted to gynaecology clinics in Turkey and Hungary, and who had no health problems in themselves and in their babies (Turkey = 112; Hungary = 99). Data were collected by personal information form and questionnaire to assess women’s expressions of feelings related to pregnancy and adaptation to pregnancy. Results: The participating pregnant women in Hungary had concerns that they would not be able to give birth to their babies because of a painful birth process (67.7%), that their babies would not be healthy (86.9%), whereas the pregnant women in Turkey had concerns that they would not be able to give birth to their babies (49.1%). While more than half of the pregnant women in Hungary expressed their concerns about maintaining the pregnancy, giving birth and the health of the baby, less number of pregnant women in Turkey expressed their concerns. Pregnant women in Turkey expressed that they were afraid of labour pains more than those in Hungary. Conclusion: There are differences between moods and adaptations to pregnancy of pregnant women who live in two different areas. These differences show the importance of planning and implementation of transcultural care initiatives