Impacts of maternal anxiety on non-stress test parameters

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between antenatal maternal anxiety with non-stress test (NST) parameters, which is an indicator test of fetal well-being in the third trimester. Materials and Methods: Between January and December of 2013, 212 pregnant women, with 36-41 weeks of gestation were assessed with measures of distress and anxiety with Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and with NST. The new National Institute Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 2008 guideline criteria were used for interpretation of NST. Anxiety scores were grouped as minimal, mild, moderate, and severe. The impact of anxiety on NST parameters were investigated. Result: Anxiety scores were inversely correlated with fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations (r = -0.631, and r = -0.855), number of fetal movements (r = -0.633, r = -0.860), FHR variability scores (r = -0.650, r = -0.877). and NST scores (r = -0.505, r = 0.729), (for all p < 0.001). NST scores were lower in severe anxiety group than the others. Conclusion: The study showed that severe form of anxiety significantly affects NST parameters in near-term pregnancies.

Effect of Virtual Reality and Music Therapy on the Physiologic Parameters of Pregnant Women and Fetuses and on Anxiety Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In our study, the fetal records were more likely to be reactive, and the baseline FHR was higher in the 2 intervention groups compared with the control group. These results are consistent with other studies that showed that the anxiety experienced by pregnant women significantly affects the NST, showing a decreased FHR variability and fewer FHR accelerations the NST 7,29,30 . Under conditions of anxiety, NSTs are more likely to be nonreactive, leading to unnecessary interventions.…”

“…These results are consistent with other studies that showed that the anxiety experienced by pregnant women significantly affects the NST, showing a decreased FHR variability and fewer FHR accelerations the NST. 7,29,30 Under conditions of anxiety, NSTs are more likely to be nonreactive, leading to unnecessary interventions. Thus, we find that the use of music therapy and VR are useful techniques for relieving the anxiety of pregnant women during tests that generate an external source of anxiety, such as the NST.…”