Evaluation of maternal anxiety and depression levels in pregnancies with fetal anomalies

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to document depression and anxiety levels in pregnant women with intrauterine fetal anomalies based on objective measurement inventories, raise awareness of this issue and provide the necessary support to patients. 
 Materials and Method: Forty pregnant women between the ages of 18-41 who were diagnosed with a major fetal anomaly, and decided their pregnancy to continue were included in the study group. Forty pregnant women with a healthy fetus and gestational week and maternal age matched with the study group were included as the control group. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were applied to pregnant women.
 Results: Anxiety and depression levels were compared between pregnant women diagnosed with an intrauterine fetal anomaly and the control group. The mean BDI score was significantly higher in the study group (P=0.008). In the STAI scoring, the mean state anxiety level (P0.001) and the mean trait anxiety score (P=0.001) were found to be statistically higher in the study group compared to the control group. 
 Conclusion: The depressive symptom scores and the state and trait anxiety levels of pregnant women with the intrauterine fetal anomaly, increased compared to the healthy pregnant women. These pregnant women should be provided with professional psychological support and necessary medical assistance during this difficult period.