Does first trimester prenatal screening impact on maternal anxiety? A prospective cohort study

Authors : Ömer Gökhan Eyisoy, Kemal Sandal
Pages : 794-799
Doi:10.32322/jhsm.1709742
View : 74 | Download : 67
Publication Date : 2025-09-16
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aims: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiety levels of pregnant women who were admitted for combined first trimester screening test, and to determine the effect of screening results on maternal anxiety. Methods: The present study was carried out prospectively between March and June 2025, and comprised 148 pregnant women. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was utilised in order to evaluate the participants’ state (STAI-I) and trait (STAI-II) anxiety levels. The STAI-Ia and STAI-II were administered to participants at their first admission, and first-trimester screening was performed. Following the counselling of first trimester screening results the State Anxiety Index (STAI-Ib) was re-administered to the participants. Changes in participants’ anxiety levels were evaluated. Results: The mean pre-screening state anxiety scores (STAI-Ia) of the patients were higher than their trait anxiety scores (STAI-II) (39.80±6.08 and 36.68±4.70 respectively; p<0.001). A total of 12 patients (13.9%) exhibited positive results in their first trimester screening tests. Patients with positive test results had higher state anxiety scores after first-trimester screening and counselling (STAI-Ib), compared to pre-screening scores (STAI-Ia) (40.00±7.26 vs. 43.25±7.38, p=0.003). 75% of the patients with positive test results demonstrated a probable clinical anxiety score. In patients with negative test result, state anxiety scores reduced compared to pre-sceening scores (39.79±6.00 vs. 36.93±5.27, p<0.001). Conclusion: Admission for first trimester screening has been shown to induce state anxiety in the patients. Social and psychological support should be provided to prevent the negative effects of maternal anxiety, especially in patients with positive screening results.
Keywords : Anne kaygısı, birinci trimester tarama, Down sendromu, Fetal anomali

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