Selvaggi L, Diaferia A, Loizzi P, Bettocchi S, Calia C, Moretti A, Balducci G, Barbanente C
Zentralbl Gynakol. 1984;106(23):1528-35.
The aim of our study was to clarify the question, to what extent the anxiety of the gravida during gestation is capable to influence the fetal condition.--For that reason, besides of a statistical analysis of a standardized interview the basal heart frequency and the reaction in a non-stress CTG over 20 min has been examined. The data of 101 women between the 36th and 42nd week of gestation were included. The age of our patients ranged from 20 to 30 years.--For assessment of the degree of anxiety we used the STAI X-1 test (questionnaire for self-assessment of anxiety as condition and characteristically personal property, resp.). Cases of pathologic gestation were excluded by history and a carefully clinical examination. No significant correlations between the level of anxiety and fetal condition could be demonstrated. We detected only a slight tendency of decreasing heart-rate variability and increasing frequency of accelerations in the CTG, as well as an increase of active fetal movements with a raising maternal level of anxiety.
