The relationship between perceived social support during pregnancy and postpartum comfort

This study was carried out to examine the relationship between perceived social support during pregnancy and postpartum comfort. The data for the cross-sectional study were collected from 544 puerperal women through face-to-face interview between 15.11.2019 and 15.03.2020, using a personal introduction form containing individual information, the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), and the Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ). Pearson correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis were used together with descriptive statistics for statistical analysis. Results: 37.5% of the puerperal participants in the study were over 30 years old and 52% had more than three pregnancies. In our study, it was found that there was a positive significant correlation between the total MSPSAS and PPCQ total scores of the puerperal women (r = 0.140). As a result of the study, it was found that as the level of social support perceived by the puerperant during pregnancy increased, the postpartum comfort level increased. Midwives, who are an important part of social support, should determine the support level of pregnant women during pregnancy and birth, postpartum period, and provide support and information to women on all kinds of issues that will increase the comfort of women, such as education and counseling.