ANXIETY DURING PREGNANCY: A RISK FACTOR FOR NEONATAL PHYSICAL OUTCOME?

Antenatal maternal anxiety is common during pregnancy and may have side
effects on mother and neonate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between
maternal anxiety and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women.
Materials & Methods: In this analytical prospective study 156 pregnant women were studied in Qom
health care centers. Anxiety was assessed using a self-administered Spielberger's state-trait anxiety
questionnaire (STAI) at 28th and 38th weeks of pregnancy. Then time of delivery, height and head
circumference of neonates, fetal growth restriction, respiratory distress, low birth weight and Apgar
score of neonates were obtained from the women’s clinical records. The data were analyzed using
logistic regression test, Chi-square, and Fisher exact.
Results: The findings indicate that there is no significant relationship between the rate of fetal growth
restriction, preterm labor and low Apgar score at the 28th and 38th weeks of pregnancy in anxious and
non anxious women (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that anxiety does not directly affect the health of a
baby. Finally, anxiety during pregnancy is an independent risk factor that may affect pregnancy
outcomes