JNUR_V2_N1_A1 Kiran Shaikh Salima Sulaiman Journal on Nursing 2231 – 4504 2 1 1 3 Antenatal Stress, Depression, Psychological Factors A high rate of antenatal depression (18%-39.4%) was identified among women in Pakistan (Kazi et al., 2006; Karmaliani et al., 2009). Pakistan is a developing country and a male dominated society where women’s rights, health needs, and educational opportunities are not given priority. Therefore, the health of women, especially women who are pregnant has never received due importance. Women’s stressors are unique and lead to adverse pregnancy outcome. Early identification of stress and depression will permit the medical and nursing clinicians to implement measures to reduce stress and depression caused by psychological factors. February - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1815