Post-traumatic stress symptoms and war-related concerns among pregnant women: The contribution of self-mastery and intolerance of uncertainty

Background: Exposure to traumatic events can significantly impact individuals’ mental health, particularly of more vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women. This study focuses on Israeli pregnant women following the terror attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war. It aims to examine the contribution of background and pregnancy-related characteristics, exposure to the traumatic events and personal resources (self-mastery, intolerance of uncertainty) to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and war-related concerns about oneself, close others, the fetus and raising the baby who is about to be born. Method: Pregnant women (n = 175) aged 20–45 (M = 31.14, SD = 5.26) were recruited through social media and completed online self-report questionnaires. Results: Direct traumatic exposure, lower self-mastery and higher intolerance of uncertainty contributed to women’s PTSS; lower self-mastery and higher intolerance of uncertainty contributed to most concerns; direct exposure to the traumatic events contributed to concerns about the fetus and raising the baby. Conclusions: The findings expand existing knowledge concerning resources related to PTSS and various war-related concerns. Mental health professionals should be informed of these variables when planning interventions with this population.