Oh My GAD: Evaluating Anxiety in Current Pregnant Patients Who Have Had a Prior Termination Abortion [ID 2683438

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INTRODUCTION: An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders at some point in their lives. Studies have shown that prior pregnancy loss such as miscarriage is associated with increased anxiety in future pregnancies. We aim to look at the effect of abortion on anxiety in future pregnancies carried to term. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which current pregnant patients seeking obstetric care at the George Washington Medical Faculty Associates were surveyed via the BabyScripts application. The survey was sent out via the application and text message and included demographics, obstetric history, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The primary outcome was anxiety levels in patients who are currently pregnant and have previously undergone abortion. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine patients completed the survey thus far; the study is ongoing. Of these, 72 patients reported a history of anxiety. Race distribution between those with a history of anxiety versus those without were similar. Of those who have had a prior pregnancy, those with a history of abortion were more likely to have severe anxiety with a GAD-7 score greater than 15 in this current pregnancy (18.2% versus 4.5%; P=.01). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that multiparous patients who have had a prior abortion and are currently pregnant are more likely to have severe anxiety as compared to patients without a history of abortion. Patients who have experienced abortion therefore have specific needs for prenatal care that are currently unmet. Furthermore, as GAD-7 is not routinely administered in pregnancy, these patients may be underdiagnosed with anxiety that then goes untreated.