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

Fetal health locus of control reflects pregnant women's beliefs regarding the factors that determine the health of their unborn child. These beliefs may influence health-related behaviors during pregnancy. Maternal anxiety may also affect fetal heart rate regulation through autonomic and neuroendocrine mechanisms.

This study will prospectively evaluate high-risk pregnant women at 32 weeks of gestation or later who are undergoing routine non-stress testing at the Perinatology Outpatient Clinic. After written informed consent is obtained, participants will complete the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory on the same day as their routine 20-minute NST.

The Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale consists of three dimensions: Internal Health Locus of Control, Chance Health Locus of Control, and Powerful Others Health Locus of Control. NST recordings will be evaluated according to FIGO-based criteria by an experienced investigator. Baseline fetal heart rate, accelerations, reactivity, decelerations, and other relevant cardiotocographic parameters will be recorded.

This study aims prospective cross-sectional evaluation of high-risk pregnant women undergoing routine non-stress testing. The primary objective is to investigate the relationships among fetal health locus of control perceptions, maternal anxiety levels, and fetal cardiotocography parameters. Secondary analyses will examine the relationships of these variables with maternal sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics.

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