Elective amniocentesis in low-risk pregnancies: decision making in the era of information and uncertainty.
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.
Lesser
Y
Y
School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. lessey@inter.net.il
Rabinowitz
J
J
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