Reviewing the Anxiety in Pregnant Mothers with Fetuses Having Positive Cardiac Anomaly and Its Relation with Birth Outcomes

Concerns about adaptation to a new situation can cause anxiousness in pregnant women, which could lead to dangerous consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of pregnancy anxiety in mothers with fetuses having cardiac anomalies and their association with birth outcomes.

A number of 50 pregnant women were enrolled as the accessible sampling. The diagnosis of congenital heart anomaly was considered in prenatal ultrasound screening (NT ultrasound and anomaly scan). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS), and Pregnancy Concern Questionnaire (PCQ) were used to evaluate fear, concern and anxiety. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon statistical test.

Six infants had fetal outcomes including low birth weight (IUGR). Fetal prematurity was observed in only one infant. The highest and the lowest levels of anxiety were reported before the echocardiography and within one week after the echocardiography. There was a significant difference between maternal general health score before and 5 days after echocardiography as well as 5 days after echo and 35th week of pregnancy (P<0.05). A significant difference between maternal general health score was observed before fetal echocardiography and at 35th week of pregnancy (P<0.05).

The results showed that mothers' anxiety increased significantly after the diagnosis of fetal cardiac anomaly. However, after fetal echocardiography and in the late pregnancy period, the anxiety level reduced in both stages. It was clear that receiving information about unhealthy fetus can cause significant anxiety in mothers.