Fetal Health Locus of Control, Maternal Anxiety, and Cardiotocography in High-Risk Pregnancies

The Relationship Between Fetal Health Locus of Control Perceptions, Anxiety Levels, and Fetal Cardiotocography Parameters in High-Risk Pregnant Women

This prospective observational cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the relationships among fetal health locus of control (FHLC) perceptions, maternal anxiety levels, and fetal cardiotocography parameters in high-risk pregnant women. Pregnant women at 32 weeks of gestation or later who undergo routine non-stress testing (NST) at the Perinatology Outpatient Clinic will be invited to participate. On the same day as the routine NST, participants will complete the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Associations between FHLC dimensions, maternal anxiety levels, and NST parameters, including baseline fetal heart rate, number of accelerations, reactivity, and presence of decelerations, will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton pregnancy at 32 weeks of gestation or later
• Being followed for a high-risk pregnancy
• No known diagnosed psychiatric disorder and no current psychiatric medication use
• Absence of a fetal condition considered likely to affect the NST tracing
• Maternal age between 18 and 45 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age below 32 weeks and/or multiple pregnancy
• Presence of a fetal condition considered likely to affect the NST tracing
• Acute maternal infection or an obstetric emergency
• Known diagnosed psychiatric disorder and/or current psychiatric medication use
• Maternal age below 18 years or above 45 years