Association of Maternal Thyroid Function and Anxiety With Fetal Cardiotocography Parameters in High-Risk Pregnancies

Association Between Maternal Thyroid Functions, Anxiety Levels, and Fetal Cardiotocography Parameters in High-Risk Pregnancies

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the association between maternal thyroid function, maternal anxiety levels, and fetal cardiotocography parameters in high-risk pregnancies. Pregnant women at 32 weeks of gestation or later who are followed in the perinatology outpatient clinic for high-risk pregnancy will be included.

Maternal thyroid function test results, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4), obtained as part of routine clinical care will be recorded. Maternal anxiety will be assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Fetal well-being will be evaluated using a routine 20-minute non-stress test (NST), including baseline fetal heart rate, accelerations, reactivity, and the presence of decelerations.

The associations between maternal anxiety scores, thyroid hormone levels and thyroid status, and fetal cardiotocography parameters will be analyzed. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics will also be evaluated in relation to these parameters.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton pregnancy at 32 weeks of gestation or later
• Pregnancy being followed as a high-risk pregnancy
• Age between 18 and 45 years
• Availability of routine thyroid function test results and non-stress test assessment
• Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age below 32 weeks
• Multiple pregnancy
• Fetal conditions that may affect interpretation of the non-stress test tracing
• Acute maternal infection
• Presence of an acute obstetric condition
• Previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Current use of psychiatric medication
• Age younger than 18 years or older than 45 years