Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Choices About Prenatal Tests in Türkiye

Pregnancy is a time of big choices, especially when it comes to prenatal tests. These tests can provide expectant mothers with crucial information about their baby's health, but they can also be difficult to understand and decide on. A recent study explored how much pregnant women in Türkiye know about these tests and what influences their decisions.

The Study

• Participants: 259 pregnant women
• Focus: Knowledge and attitudes toward prenatal screening and diagnostic tests

These tests are vital as they can detect potential health issues early. However, they must be conducted within a specific timeframe, which can make decision-making stressful for expectant mothers.

Key Findings

• Average age: Around 30 years
• Marriage duration: Approximately 6 years
• Education: About a third had a university degree or higher
• Screening participation: 52.1% had not undergone any prenatal screening tests
• Diagnostic testing: 37.1% had undergone recommended prenatal diagnostic testing

Factors Influencing Decisions

• Employment status: Employed women were more likely to undergo screening.
• Consanguineous marriages: Women in such marriages were also more likely to take screening tests.
• Education level: Higher education correlated with better knowledge about prenatal tests, regardless of whether they had undergone screening.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the need for better education and counseling for pregnant women. Many may not fully grasp the benefits and risks of prenatal tests, leading to confusion or hesitation. By providing clear and accessible information, healthcare providers can help women make informed decisions about their pregnancy.