Effectiveness of a Psychosocial Support Intervention for Women Diagnosed With Fetal Anomaly

Launched by SAKARYA UNIVERSITY · Jul 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special support program can help women who have been told that their unborn baby might have a health problem or birth defect. The program offers emotional and psychological support to help these women cope with the news and manage their feelings during pregnancy. Women who join the study will be randomly divided into two groups: one group will receive this extra support, while the other group will get the usual care provided by the hospital.

To take part, women need to be over 18 years old, currently pregnant, and have had test results or ultrasound findings showing a high chance of fetal abnormalities, like Down syndrome. They must have decided to continue their pregnancy and have already used hospital services after the diagnosis. Women with mental health issues that make it hard to communicate are not eligible. Participants can expect to share their experiences and feelings, and those in the support program will receive guided help to better handle the emotional challenges during this difficult time. The study is currently looking for women who meet these criteria to join.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • In her current pregnancy, the results of the dual or triple screening test (a screening test result of 1:50 or 1:100 is considered a high risk for Down syndrome (Şirin, 2020) and/or ultrasound findings (physical/anatomical and congenital anomalies) indicate a high risk of foetal abnormalities,
• • Decision to continue the pregnancy,
• • Being over 18 years of age,
• • Having received hospital services at least once after the initial diagnosis (this criterion was added to enable the pregnant woman to evaluate the services she received from the hospital after the diagnosis and to express her expectations beyond the services provided)
• • No mental or psychological disorders that would make it difficult to express oneself,
• • Voluntary participation in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Pregnant women who do not meet the inclusion criteria will be excluded from the sample.