OBJECTIVE: Assessment of anxiety levels in women and men before and after preconception counseling and during the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Couples were recruited from the fertility clinic of the University Medical Center Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Anxiety was assessed using the 40-item Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: 53 women and 51 men (74%) completed the STAI both before and after counseling. Anxiety levels did not change significantly after counseling or during the first trimester of pregnancy. 83.4% would recommend preconception counseling to others. CONCLUSION: Preconception counseling is valued by the majority of women and men and does not lead to adverse psychological effects.
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of anxiety levels in women and men before and after preconception counseling and during the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Couples were recruited from the fertility clinic of the University Medical Center Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Anxiety was assessed using the 40-item Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: 53 women and 51 men (74%) completed the STAI both before and after counseling. Anxiety levels did not change significantly after counseling or during the first trimester of pregnancy. 83.4% would recommend preconception counseling to others. CONCLUSION: Preconception counseling is valued by the majority of women and men and does not lead to adverse psychological effects.
Authors: L C de Jong-Potjer; J Elsinga; S le Cessie; K M van der Pal-de Bruin; A Knuistingh Neven; S E Buitendijk; W J J Assendelft Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2006-11-03 Impact factor: 2.497