Maternal anxiety at amniocentesis and plasma cortisol

• DOI: 10.1002/pd.1444
• Publication Date: 2006-05-09T11:55:24Z
• Authors: P. Sarkar; K. Bergman; N.M. Fisk; V. Glover
• Keywords: Amniocentesis; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Reference range

Abstract Objectives To assess whether anticipation of amniocentesis is linked with maternal anxiety, and this anxiety associated increased plasma cortisol. Methods Two hundred fifty‐four women awaiting a morning for karyotyping (gestation range 15–37 weeks, median 17 weeks) completed Spielberger state trait inventory (STAI) questionnaires, provided blood samples immediately before the procedure cortisol assay. Six five at mean gestation 20 attending same hospital routine ultrasound but not amniocentesis, also STAI questionnaires served as comparison group ratings. Results Mean scores (± SD) in 605 weeks were 36.1 ± 10.2 (range 20–70) 35.6 8.9 20–73), respectively. The score (±SD) 49.8 14.0 20–77) was considerably higher than ( p < 0.001), although similar 36.4 8.6 21–60). state, trait, correlated r = 0.176, 0.005). Maternal gestational age 0.310, whereas showed no significant change increase − 0.042, ns). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that positively independent time collection. Conclusion Women experience high modestly Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.