Comparison of Anxiety Levels in Spontaneous Pregnancies and Assisted-Reproductive Techniques

Abstract

Purpose: Anxiety observed in the perinatal period can have adverse outcomes for the health of the mother and baby. Methods: The use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has been increasing in recent years for various reasons. In our study, we aimed to compare the anxiety levels of women, who had conceived spontaneously with women who had conceived by ART in these two groups. Sixty pregnant women in their pregnancy, who had applied to the pregnancy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outpatient clinics, were divided into two groups as follows: those who became pregnant by ART and those who became pregnant spontaneously. The study employed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) to assess and identify symptoms of anxiety. Results: Among 60 pregnant women in the study, twenty-four (40%) conceived by ART and 36 (60%) conceived spontaneously. When the groups were compared with regard to anxiety symptoms, the state anxiety levels of those who became pregnant via ART were significantly higher according to the STAI-S and PASS. Conclusion: As a result, each population should present its own results, and in the event of increased anxiety, appropriate medical assistance should be provided.