Investigating the Effect of Second Trimester Fetal Anatomy Scan Soft Marker Findings on the Intolerance of Uncertainty

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal diagnosis is essential for allowing for early detection of fetal anomalies. Soft markers, detected during fetal anomaly scans, are of uncertain significance. Most soft markers are transient; their detection can induce psychological distress. The relationship between soft markers, genetic conditions, and maternal psychological responses remains an area of investigation.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 67 pregnant women with isolated fetal soft markers identified during routine second-trimester anomaly scans at a tertiary perinatal care center. Participants completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE). Sociodemographic and obstetric data were collected from medical records. Descriptive statistics were reported as mean±SD, median (interquartile range) and frequency (percentage).
RESULTS: The most frequently observed soft markers were echogenic intracardiac focus (40.3%) and echogenic bowel (32.8%). Higher intolerance of uncertainty scores were significantly associated with ventriculomegaly, thickened nuchal fold, and choroid plexus cyst. The presence of multiple soft markers did not result in higher intolerance of uncertainty scores. Religious coping was the most commonly used strategy, while substance use was the least employed. Anxiety and depression were the predominant, with moderate distress levels detected on the BSI.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The identification of soft markers may contribute to maternal psychological distress, with the severity of the response influenced by the specific ultrasonographic finding. The level of education and perceived economic status also play roles in shaping maternal risk perception. Enhanced prenatal counseling, incorporating clear risk communication strategies, may help mitigate anxiety and reduce intolerance of uncertainty.