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 tell expectant mothers a lot about their baby's health, but they're not always easy to understand or decide on. A recent study looked at how much pregnant women in Türkiye know about these tests and what influences their decisions. The study involved 259 pregnant women. They were asked questions about their knowledge and attitudes towards prenatal screening and diagnostic tests. These tests are important because they can spot potential health issues early on. However, they must be done within a specific timeframe, which can make decision-making stressful for expectant mothers. The women in the study had an average age of about 30 and had been married for around 6 years. About a third of them had a university degree or higher. Interestingly, over half of the women (52. 1%) had not undergone any prenatal screening tests. This shows that many women might not be fully aware of the importance of these tests or might have concerns about them.The study also found that 37. 1% of the women had undergone recommended prenatal diagnostic testing. This suggests that while some women are taking advantage of these tests, many are not. The researchers looked at different factors that might influence these decisions, such as employment status and the type of screening test. They found that women who were employed or in consanguineous marriages (marriages between close relatives) were more likely to undergo screening tests. This could be because they have more access to information or feel more pressure to ensure their baby's health. The study also found that women with higher education levels had better knowledge about prenatal tests, regardless of whether they had undergone screening or not. These findings highlight the need for better education and counseling for pregnant women. Many women might not fully understand the benefits and risks of prenatal tests, which can lead to confusion or hesitation. By providing clear and accessible information, healthcare providers can help women make informed decisions about their pregnancy.