title: Psychological and ethical problems arising for physicians and parents from the prenatal diagnosis of malformations.
abstract: Early diagnosis of a malformation has positive effects for the parents. Transitory agitation is followed by acception of the fact and stabilization. Obstetrical departments use a scheme of steps, which starts with talking to the mother and relating the problems in stages and continues with presentation of the case at a staff conference with obstetrician, pediatrician, and pediatric surgeon, and ends with psychotherapeutic consultation if necessary. The emotional situation of pregnancy with a malformed child and confrontation triggering a sequence of emotional reactions including wide individual variations are described. The use of new prenatal diagnostic techniques requires care in recognizing the psychological aspects and needs originating from unfavorable diagnoses.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martinius
mesh_terms: D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004644:Emotions; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D018570:Risk Assessment