Assessment of anxiety and psychological stress among expectant parents during pregnancy: a scoping review

Objectives: to map, in the scientific literature, instruments used to assess anxiety and stress among expectant parents during pregnancy. Methods: we conducted a scoping review guided by the JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searching the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and the Open Access Scientific Repositories of Portugal. Quantitative studies were included with no restrictions on time or language. Results: we identified 16 instruments (10 for anxiety and 6 for stress), predominantly applied to pregnant women in the third trimester. Conclusions: studies involving expectant fathers are scarce. To better understand their feelings and needs, it is essential to apply instruments that assess anxiety and stress, thereby supporting anticipatory care. Developing and validating instruments with expectant parents (both men and women) across the trimesters of pregnancy will broaden professionals’ and the public’s knowledge on this issue.