Anxiety scores before and after genetic sonogram

The value of genetic sonogram is controversial in low-risk population. The aim of our study was to compare the anxiety levels among women with high risk and low risk for fetal chromosomal/structural defects.

A total of 115 consecutive pregnant women were included. The anxiety levels were assessed by the use of Turkish version of the standardized state-trait-anxiety-inventory. Before and after genetic sonogram, state and trait-anxiety was measured.

The mean state anxiety score before genetic sonogram was statistically, significantly higher than the mean score after the examination. Before genetic sonogram, the mean state-anxiety score of the women with high risk for fetal chromosomal/structural defects was significantly higher than the mean score of women with low risk. Following genetic sonogram, although the anxiety scores decreased, the scores of women with high risk still remained significantly higher than the scores of women with low risk and the anxiety scores significantly further increased among women with a positive minor or major ultrasound finding.

Genetic sonogram presents an anxiety-inducing situation for the parents-to-be. The level of experienced anxiety was found to be proportional to the level of the perceived risk. Women with low risk for chromosomal/structural defects experienced lower anxiety than women with high risk. Following the examination, women with a negative result were found to have a significant reduction of anxiety and emotional relief whereas a positive test result led to a further increase in anxiety scores.