MIDTRIMESTER AMNIOCENTESIS - SUBJECTIVE MATERNAL RESPONSES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (1) , 10-16
Abstract
Studies, through questionnaire and interview, of couples who elect or decline midtrimester amniocentesis demonstrate that both groups cope well with new decisions surrounding this procedure. The pregnancy monitored by genetic amniocentesis does not appear to receive special status as viewed by the parents, nor is the developing fetus placed in a special category during the pregnancy. In this series, the potential risk of fetal injury in both groups was of greater concern than that of spontaneous abortion as a result of amniocentesis. Waiting for laboratory results from amniocentesis, although quite stressful, does not result in denial of the pregnancy. Approximately 1/3 of the couples who elected to undergo amniocentesis remained uncertain that they would terminate pregnancy if a defective fetus was found. Some couples who already have 1 child with a birth defect diagnosable by amniocentesis will decline to undergo the procedure during a subsequent pregnancy.