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

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