Factors influencing informed choice of prenatal diagnosis: women's feelings and attitudes.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain knowledge about factors that could influence women's informed choice and extent of prenatal diagnosis, her feelings when implementing it, and her satisfaction.


METHODS
A questionnaire including Visual Analogue Scale was given to 823 women and replies received from 662 (80.4%). Ease of choice was the basis for the statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The factors that most often influenced choice were the fetus health, maternal age, and knowledge of the consequences. The choice was easy to make, only 2% finding it very difficult. The time period from the amniocentesis until the results were available was the most difficult time reported.


CONCLUSIONS
The choice of method for prenatal diagnosis was very easy for most women. Satisfaction with choice was high (98%). Extra support can be needed while awaiting results of invasive prenatal diagnosis.
Crang-Svalenius
E
E
Department of Obstetrical and Gynecological Ultrasound, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Elisabeth.Svalenius@gyn.lu.se
Dykes
A K
AK
Jörgensen
C
C
D000649:Amniocentesis; D001290:Attitude; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires