Prenatal anomaly diagnosis and healthy birth: socio-psychological experiences of women in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a critical period for safeguarding maternal and foetal health, often involving diagnostic and screening methods to detect risks early. These decisions impact not only the foetus (e.g. abortion) but also the mother (e.g. anxiety, depression), the partner (e.g. family conflict), and society. The prenatal period is especially complex due to the physical, psychological, and social changes it entails. This study aims to explore in depth the psychological and social experiences of women who were informed of a potential foetal anomaly during pregnancy but ultimately gave birth to healthy babies. Rather than focusing solely on the diagnostic process, the study sought to understand how women internally managed the uncertainty and emotional burden. METHOD: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach and interviewed 18 women who were informed of a potential foetal anomaly but gave birth to healthy babies. A total of 151 pages of transcribed data were thematically analysed using Maxqda software. FINDINGS: Six themes emerged: confronting anomaly suspicion, the socio-psychological state of the pregnant woman, reactions from family and partner, process management, difficulties encountered, and emotions during childbirth. Participants reported significant emotional impact upon learning of a possible foetal anomaly, followed by socio-psychological challenges after the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that prenatal anomaly diagnoses affect women on multiple levels, transcending the clinical domain. Holistic prenatal care that acknowledges emotional, social, and cultural dimensions - alongside medical needs - is essential for supporting women during these experiences.