The Effect of Prenatal Screening Tests on Maternal Anxiety Levels

Objective: Pregnancy is a challenging period for women, both physically and psychologically.Prenatal screening tests that provide an estimate of the risk of a fetal anomaly may affect maternal anxiety levels.The study aimed to investigate the state and trait anxiety levels of women in the first trimester before examination, after examination, and after receiving the results of the risk estimation.Method: Pregnant women who applied to the Department of Perinatology at Cerrahpaa Medical Faculty, stanbul University-Cerrahpaa for the first-trimester examination between January 2010 and December 2015 were included in the study.Twin pregnancies and women with psychiatric disorders were excluded.The Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory was administered to 317 women to assess their anxiety levels. Results:The level of state anxiety was lowest after the first-trimester examination.Differences in state anxiety levels between periods were statistically significant. Conclusion:After the first-trimester examination, state anxiety levels decreased.Viewing the fetus on the screen and being informed about its anatomy have a reassuring effect on the women.