The relationship between fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological well-being during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Pregnancy is frequently accompanied by physical strain and changes in sleep patterns, which may influence psychological well-being. This study explored how fatigue and sleep disturbances are associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress during pregnancy. The study followed a cross-sectional design and included 130 pregnant women attending the obstetrics outpatient clinic of a public hospital. The mean age of the participants was 27.92 ± 4.48 years, and the mean gestational age was 28.13 ± 6.84 weeks. Of the participants, 52.3% were experiencing their first pregnancy. Data were obtained through direct interviews. Fatigue levels, sleep-related problems, and psychological symptoms were assessed using three measurement tools with established validity and reliability. Most participants reported noticeable levels of daily fatigue, with sleep disturbances becoming more prominent in the later stages of pregnancy. Higher scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were observed among women who were not employed. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution, as the direction of this relationship cannot be determined and psychological symptoms may also influence employment status. Physical fatigue appeared more pronounced than mental fatigue. Sleep problems were mainly linked to physical complaints. While psychological symptoms generally remained within normal limits, some participants showed varying degrees of symptom severity. Correlation analyses indicated positive and significant associations between fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological symptoms. These findings suggest that physical demands and psychosocial factors interact during pregnancy. Routine evaluation of fatigue, sleep quality, and mental health should be considered as part of antenatal care.