Pokhara, Nepal — February 9, 2026
A new study from Gandaki Medical College has revealed that a significant number of pregnant women in Pokhara are struggling with high levels of stress and anxiety—an issue researchers say has been largely overlooked in Nepal’s maternal health system.
Published in the Nepal Medical College Journal (Vol. 27, No. 4), the research assessed stress and anxiety among pregnant women attending the Gynaecology and Obstetrics outpatient department. Using two internationally recognized tools—the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) and the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS)—the study paints a sobering picture of the emotional burden carried by expectant mothers.
A Silent Crisis Behind the Checkups
While Nepal has made steady progress in improving physical maternal care, the study suggests that emotional well‑being has not received the same attention. According to the findings, 32.6% of pregnant women were experiencing severe stress, while another 33.9% reported moderate stress. Only a third fell into the “eustress” category, meaning normal or manageable stress.
Anxiety levels followed a similar pattern. Although most women reported minimal anxiety, nearly one in four fell into the mild‑to‑moderate range, and a smaller group—2.4%—showed signs of severe anxiety.
Researchers found a clear link between the two conditions: higher stress was strongly associated with higher anxiety, a relationship supported by statistical analysis.
Family Support Makes a Measurable Difference
One of the study’s most striking findings is the role of family support. Women who reported stronger support systems had significantly lower anxiety scores. Those who felt isolated or unsupported were more likely to experience heightened anxiety during pregnancy. The authors observed that emotional, practical, and social support from family members serves as a protective factor, especially in cultures where pregnancy is regarded as a shared family responsibility.
No Demographic Group Is Immune
The study also examined whether stress levels varied by age, education,
income, or other demographic factors. The result: no significant association. Stress affected women across all backgrounds, suggesting that the emotional challenges of pregnancy in Pokhara are widespread and not limited to any particular group. A Call for Mental Health Screening in Antenatal Care Although the study does not prescribe specific interventions, its findings point toward a gap in Nepal’s maternal health approach. Antenatal visits typically focus on physical indicators—blood pressure, fetal growth, nutrition—but rarely include mental health screening. The researchers argue that integrating simple stress and anxiety assessments into routine checkups could help identify women who need additional support.
A Broader Public Health Conversation
As Pokhara continues to expand its healthcare services, the study raises an important question: Are expectant mothers receiving the emotional care they need?
Given that nearly one in three women experience severe stress, the authors emphasize that pregnancy-related mental health deserves greater recognition and support from families, communities, and healthcare systems.
