Assessment of mental health issues in pregnant women with fetal complications: Relation to attachment and anxiety.

Abstract

Purpose: Pregnancy period is important for all women. The aim of this study was to evaluate mental status, antenatal depression, attachment, and anxiety in pregnant women with fetal complications.

Design and methods: Mothers who had been diagnosed with fetal complications during pregnancy were interviewed after the delivery of their babies.

Findings: The results showed that anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher in the mothers who had received psychiatric support treatment. Maternal attachment scores were found low, depression scores were found high in mothers of children with congenital anomalies.

Conclusion: According to the results of the study, a maternal attachment was low and depression was high in mothers with congenital anomalies.

Practice implications: Possible psychological problems after birth can be prevented by psychotherapeutic nursing interventions during pregnancy to pregnant women who have babies with fetal anomalies.