Validation of the Dutch version of the Pregnancy Experience Scale

The Pregnancy Experience Scale – Brief version (PES-Brief) assesses the frequency and intensity of the hassles and uplifts of pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch PES-Brief—de Beleving van Zwangerschap Schaal – verkorte versie (BZS-K)—in a sample of healthy Dutch pregnant women. Participants (n = 115) completed questionnaires twice during pregnancy, within a three-week interval. Factor analyses resulted in the expected two factors, one positive and one negative. The BZS-K showed sufficient internal consistency (α = .76 for Hassles, .83 for Uplifts) and reproducibility of subscales (Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) = .72-.84). Concurrent validity with measures of pregnancy anxiety, general depression, anxiety and stress, and emotional well-being was established. We conclude that the BZS-K is a reliable, valid measure for assessment of women’s perceptions of hassles and uplifts of pregnancy