Network analysis of symptoms related to quality of life and subjective well-being during pregnancy

Pregnancy involves significant physiological, psychological, and social changes that impact a woman’s quality of life and well-being. Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for improving prenatal care and maternal health outcomes. This study uses network analysis to explore the symptom network underlying quality of life and subjective well-being in pregnant women.

From November 2024 to February 2025, a total of 796 pregnant women were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in Nantong City. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) and The Chinese Resident Subjective Well-Being Scale Abbreviated Version (SWBS-CC20) were used to assess the quality of life and perceived subjective well-being of the pregnant women, respectively. Network analysis was applied to construct a symptom network, and centrality measures (including expected influence and bridge expected influence) were calculated to identify key symptoms.

The network analysis revealed that the symptoms with the highest expected influence on quality of life and subjective well-being were: SWBS3 (Motivation from goals), VT (Vitality), and SWBS11 (Friendship difficulties). The symptoms with the highest bridge expected influence were: GH (General health), SWBS6 (Physical discomfort), and MH (Mental Health). Additionally, the symptoms with the highest predictive power were VT (Vitality), SWBS3 (Motivation from goals), and MH (Mental Health).

The study’s findings underscore the multifaceted nature of quality of life and subjective well-being during pregnancy, revealing that both psychological factors and social aspects play crucial roles. The prominence of vitality and mental health as key predictors highlights the need for comprehensive prenatal care that goes beyond physical health to address emotional and social well-being. This insight suggests that integrating targeted interventions to support mental health, enhance social connections, and boost vitality could substantially improve the overall experience and outcomes for pregnant women.