title: Amniocentesis in the early second trimester of pregnancy and maternal anxiety.
abstract: Anxiety state and trait were measured before and after amniocentesis early in the second trimester of pregnancy, in a group of 28 women who were at risk of bearing an abnormal foetus. A significant decrease in maternal anxiety occurred in the majority of women after receiving the results of the amniocentesis. It is concluded that amniocentesis for intrauterine diagnosis of foetal abnormalities makes a significant contribution to the psychological wellbeing of those pregnant women who are at greater risk of having an abnormal baby.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D001007:Anxiety; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D012306:Risk