PREGNANCY METAMORPHOSIS: A STUDY OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH PHYSIOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL DIMENSIONS

Pregnancy is a transformative period characterized by intricate physiological, physical, and emotional changes in women. While pregnancy is generally a joyous and desirable event, the accompanying discomforts and symptoms can be substantial, stemming from the multifaceted alterations that unfold during this phase. These changes tend to intensify progressively and profoundly impact pregnant women across physical, mental, and social dimensions. Notably, the enlargement of the uterus exerts pressure on the diaphragm, leading to restricted mobility and respiratory challenges. Consequently, the holistic health of pregnant women fluctuates throughout gestation, necessitating comprehensive evaluation by medical professionals employing varied evidence, precise measurement instruments, and observation techniques across different trimesters. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes quality of life as an individual's perception of their existence within cultural and value frameworks, relative to their aspirations, anticipations, and benchmarks. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) serves as a metric for gauging mental well-being, physical health, and behavioral aspects. The SF-36 quality of life scale, originally developed by Rand Corporation and adapted for Turkish usage, is an eight-dimensional tool appraising health-related quality of life. Widely employed, this scale draws on data from diverse populations and stages, aiding in the measurement of quality of life. Unveiling health-related quality of life benchmarks during pregnancy, devising pertinent health policies, and formulating clinical guidelines are critical factors for understanding the potential expenditures linked to pregnancy. Accurate data necessitates the utilization of tailored measurement tools specific to population and timeframe. While the SF-36 scale is commonly employed in health-related quality of life assessment, it has yet to comprehensively unveil the outcomes for pregnant women across trimesters and categories. This study aims to scrutinize the health-related quality of life of pregnant women across different categories and trimesters, offering insights into potential enhancements in maternal well-being and underpinning future healthcare policie