Maternal psychological stress after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease.

Objective: To determine whether prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) increases maternal stress.

Study Design: Self-report instruments were administered to mothers carrying a fetus with CHD. Domains included: (1) traumatic stress (Impact of Events Scale-Revised); (2) depression (Beck Depression Index II); and (3) anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Index). Modifiers included: (1) coping skills (COPE Inventory); (2) partner satisfaction (Dyadic Adjustment Scale); and (3) demographics. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess relationships between stress measures and modifiers.

Results: Fifty-nine mothers (gestational age 27 ± 3 weeks) completed all measures. Clinically important traumatic distress was seen in 39%, depression in 22%, and state anxiety in 31%. Lower partner satisfaction was associated with higher depression (P < .01) and higher anxiety (P < .01). After controlling for partner satisfaction and income, "denial" was most associated with increased traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression (P < .01).

Conclusions: Posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety are common after prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Healthy partner relationships and positive coping mechanisms can act as buffers.