Anxiety in Pregnancy: Comparing High-Risk and Normal Pregnant Women through the Beck Anxiety Inventory

Abstract

Aim: Pregnancy is a critical life event that necessitates adaptation to numerous physical and psychological changes. While it often brings positive emotions, it can also induce significant stress and anxiety, especially in high-risk scenarios with potential maternal and fetal health concerns. This study aims to investigate whether there is a difference in anxiety levels between pregnant women under routine obstetric care and those under perinatology care for high-risk pregnancies. Material and Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Giresun Training and Research Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Ninety pregnant women aged 18-40 were divided into two groups: 45 women receiving routine obstetric care (Group I) and 45 women receiving perinatology care for high-risk pregnancies (Group II). Data were collected using a 20-question socio-demographic and medical characteristics questionnaire, along with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The study found no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics such as education, employment, and income status between the two groups (p>0.05). The Beck Anxiety Inventory scores indicated that both groups predominantly experienced low-level anxiety: 82.2% in Group I and 86.7% in Group II. Moderate anxiety was reported by 15.6% of Group I and 11.1% of Group II. Only 2.2% of participants in each group experienced severe anxiety. There was no significant difference in the overall anxiety levels between the two groups (p>0.05), although Group I reported higher heart palpitations (p