Psychological health associated with prenatal screening in low-risk pregnancy for chromosomal aneuploidy

Abstract

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the psychological health associated with prenatal screening in low-risk pregnancy for chromosomal aneuploidy. Methods This longitudinal study was performed on 310 low-risk pregnancies for chromosomal aneuploidies. Using the standard DASS-21 questionnaire, levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed-prior to the recommended time for the first-trimester screening test (T1), after the first-trimester tests on the second referral (T2) concurrently with the request for the second-trimester tests (T3)-and compared between women undergoing the prenatal screening and in women refusing it. Results The results showed that the mean of stress, anxiety, and depression levels were not different between groups at T1; but the level of the stress, depression, and anxiety were higher in the screening group than the non-screening group. The effect of group on changes in the stress, depression, and anxiety levels was significant. Conclusion The results revealed that the prenatal screening program in low-risk pregnancies for chromosomal aneuploidy can be followed by rising psychological symptoms and this psychological burden should be conceded on prenatal screening tests for pregnant women.