title: Elective amniocentesis in low-risk pregnancies: decision making in the era of information and uncertainty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rational choice theory was applied to explain women's use of amniocentesis. Variables included knowledge about prenatal diagnostics, attitudes, and emotional preferences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using structured instruments at 9 to 14 and at 29 to 34 weeks' gestation, we interviewed 232 Israeli women who had low-risk pregnancies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women who had elective amniocentesis (n = 39) were more knowledgeable about prenatal diagnostics, risks of invasive procedures, and probability of fetal abnormality in high maternal age; had fewer children; and had less favorable attitudes toward parenthood than those who had medically indicated amniocentesis (n = 57) and those who did not have amniocentesis (n = 136).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use and possible overuse of amniocentesis were associated with having more information about prenatal diagnostics and definite emotional preferences.
authors: School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. lessey@inter.net.il
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Lesser
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Rabinowitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data