Explaining mothers’ experiences of performing fetal health screening tests in the first trimester of pregnancy: A qualitative study with content analysis approach

Background: The only way to prevent the birth of infants with chromosomal disorders is prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities is a critical and stressful emotional event for pregnant women which is accompanied with worry and concern. The aim of the present study was to gain deeper insights into mothers’ experiences of performing fetal health screening tests. Methods: This was a qualitative research using a conventional content analysis approach. The study population consisted of pregnant women referring to genetic diagnosis laboratories at 11–19 weeks of gestation who were currently in the third trimester of pregnancy. After selecting the participants, a text message was first sent to the mothers and they were asked about the most appropriate time for the interview. At the arranged time, a video call was made with the mother. The data collection method was discovery interviews (Semi-structured interviews). The analysis model used in this study was based on Granheim and Landman’s method. The manuscript was prepared based on Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies check list for qualitative studies. Results: From a total of 11 interviews, 145 initial codes were obtained which were organized into 3 main categories: Worry and stress; Multi-faceted support; and Conflict between fear and hope. These categories included nine subcategories, namely Concern about the child's disability, Fear of intentional termination of pregnancy, Financial costs, Need for medical support, Husband support, Educational support, Peer support, Fear-hope emotional conflict caused by confirmed diagnosis of fetal abnormalities, and Normal test results. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, mothers who go for a fetal health screening test and receive suspicious results initially, live in a state of fear and hope until they receive a definitive answer. In order to get rid of their worries and concerns, they need external support such as social support and peer support in addition to the support of their husbands and family.