Effects of COVID-19 anxiety and obsession on fear of childbirth in high-risk pregnancy during the pandemic in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic may have significant effects on fear of childbirth among women undergoing a high-risk pregnancy. This study sought to determine the relationship between the COVID-19 obsession and anxiety levels of women with high-risk pregnancies and their fear of childbirth. METHODS: A total of 326 hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies were evaluated between March 2021 and March 2022. The COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS), COVID-19 Obsession Scale (OCS), and Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS, composed of two subscales, FOBS1-anxiety and FOBS2-fear) were administered. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found between the FOBS1 and FOBS2 scores and CAS and OCS total scores (p < .001). The participants with secondary school degrees, those who had not given birth before, those who had an unfavorable previous childbirth experience, and those who were planning to have vaginal delivery had significantly higher average FOBS1 and FOBS2 scores (p < .05). Those living in an extended family were 3.22 times more likely to experience FOBS1 and 2.23 times more likely to experience FOBS2 than those living in a nuclear family. Women following COVID-19 information were 3.69 times more likely than others to experience these symptoms. In addition, those scheduled for vaginal delivery were 1.80 times more likely to experience FOBS2 than those scheduled for caesarean section. CONCLUSION: Women with high-risk pregnancies may experience COVID-19 anxiety, which may worsen their fear of childbirth. Psychosocial interventions focused on addressing COVID-19 anxiety are warranted for women with high-risk pregnancies in Turkey and for those living in other areas of the world as well.

Turkish Women's Beliefs Concerning Human Milk Banking.

BACKGROUND: A donor milk bank provides an alternative source of human milk for mothers who cannot breastfeed or provide their own milk. Although wet-nursing is a common practice, there is currently no donor milk bank in Turkey. RESEARCH AIMS: The aims of our study were (1) to determine the knowledge and opinions of Turkish women in regard to donor milk banking; and (2) to raise awareness of donor milk banking. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study, in which the data were collected with an online survey consisting of 22 questions. The link to the online survey was distributed through the social media accounts of the researchers, with a statement inviting women aged 18-64, who were literate and actively using social media, to participate in the survey. There were 648 female participants. RESULTS: Of those who responded to the questionnaire, 54.1% had not previously given birth, and 54.2% had heard about donor milk banks before. The implementation of donor milk banks in Turkey was desired by 56.4% of the participants, and 50.8% of the participants considered donating their milk. It was determined that the reasons why the women did not want to benefit from donor milk banks were the risk of disease transmission to the baby and the possibility of their child marrying his or her milk sibling in the future. CONCLUSION: It appears that Turkish women lack information about donor milk banking. We recommend public awareness activities to be organized concerning donor milk banking.

Age at menarche: risk factor for gestational diabetes.

This study examines the relationship between the age at menarche and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This retrospective study included subjects who were diagnosed with GDM at a pregnancy polyclinic in Kocaeli, Turkey between 2014 and 2018. The mean ages at menarche were 12.6 and 13.03 years in the GDM group and control group, respectively. The analysis results showed that pre-pregnancy cycle duration, age at menarche and pre-pregnancy BMI are statistically significant in terms of the development of gestational diabetes. (p < .05).In our study showed that the risk of GDM was found to be 2.3 times higher in pregnant women with a menarche age of <12 years. If the pre-pregnancy BMI value is more than 25 kg/cm2, the risk of GDM was found to be approximately 2 times higher. The study indicated that age at menarche, cycle duration, and BMI were risk factors for GDM. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? GDM has a lasting health impact on both the mother and the foetus. While several risk factors have previously been identified for GDM such as family history, obesity, advanced maternal age, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the risk factor and pathogenesis. Recent studies suggested that earlier menarche was significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM.What do the results of this study add? There might be ethnic differences on the relationship between the GDM and menarche age. There is no study examining the relationship between the age of menarche and GDM in Turkey. In presented study, we determined the risk factors of GDM including the age of menarche, cycle duration and BMI.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and / or further research? Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the menstrual history by healthcare professionals is important for future pregnancy risks. It is important to understand risk factors for GDM and to establish preventive strategies among high-risk populations. In addition, this study will shed light on future epidemiological and cohort studies.