Anxiety in Pregnancy: Comparing High-Risk and Normal Pregnant Women through the Beck Anxiety Inventory

Authors : Mehmet Albayrak, Ali Muhtaroğlu

Pages : 481-486

Doi:10.37990/medr.1522002

View : 58 | Download : 73

Publication Date : 2024-09-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Pregnancy is a critical life event that necessitates adaptation to numerous physical and psychological changes. While it often brings positive emotions, it can also induce significant stress and anxiety, especially in high-risk scenarios with potential maternal and fetal health concerns. This study aims to investigate whether there is a difference in anxiety levels between pregnant women under routine obstetric care and those under perinatology care for high-risk pregnancies. Material and Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Giresun Training and Research Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Ninety pregnant women aged 18-40 were divided into two groups: 45 women receiving routine obstetric care (Group I) and 45 women receiving perinatology care for high-risk pregnancies (Group II). Data were collected using a 20-question socio-demographic and medical characteristics questionnaire, along with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The study found no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics such as education, employment, and income status between the two groups (p>0.05). The Beck Anxiety Inventory scores indicated that both groups predominantly experienced low-level anxiety: 82.2% in Group I and 86.7% in Group II. Moderate anxiety was reported by 15.6% of Group I and 11.1% of Group II. Only 2.2% of participants in each group experienced severe anxiety. There was no significant difference in the overall anxiety levels between the two groups (p>0.05), although Group I reported higher heart palpitations (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that while high-risk pregnancies managed by perinatology specialists do not significantly differ in overall anxiety levels from normal pregnancies, specific anxiety symptoms like heart palpitations may vary. This underscores the need for targeted anxiety management interventions for pregnant women, regardless of risk status, to ensure better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Keywords : Pregnancy anxiety, Beck Anxiety Inventory, perinatology, anxiety management in pregnancy