Mental Health Disorders and Resilience in Pregnant Women Prenatally Diagnosed With Fetal Anomalies
Alyssa Renee Mowrer*, Christina Marie Bence, Terri Ann deRoon-Cassini, Ruizhe Wu, Aniko Szabo, Amy Jacqueline Wagner
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pregnant women prenatally diagnosed with fetal anomalies requiring pediatric surgical intervention experience significant stress. The prevalence of mental health disorders (MHDs) in this population is largely unexplored. This pilot study evaluated the incidence of MHDs and resilience in pregnant women diagnosed with fetal anomalies requiring pediatric surgical intervention.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, pregnant women diagnosed with fetal anomalies were enrolled, and their mental health condition was assessed. Validated measures of depression, anxiety, stress, and resilience were used. Chart review included maternal demographics and psychiatric history.
Results: The study included 25 pregnant women, of whom 80% (20/25) women completed all the assessments. Antepartum depression, anxiety, and acute stress were identified in 36%, 32%, and 33% of the pregnant women, respectively, while resilience was lower in this population than in the general population.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need for antepartum MHD screening following prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies as a part of pediatric surgical consultation.
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