"I'm not a saint": burden assessment as an unrecognized factor in prenatal decision making.
Prenatal testing is widely utilized, yet few studies have explored decision-making processes about diagnosis from the pregnant woman's standpoint. This qualitative, exploratory study reveals a factor not accounted for in prior research geared toward associations between demographic categories and decisions. The 30 women in this study demonstrated a three-part decisional trajectory that included an effort to collect information about the challenges a potential child with their particular diagnosis might experience. They then assessed their social context, familial supports, and resilience as a couple. A final yet crucial step was an assessment of the woman's own capacity to provide this level of care within her unique context. Few genetics teams have a member with biopsychosocial expertise and time who can help the woman/couple reflect on the situated context of the decision and its impact. Better care strategies to support women and couples through this experience are warranted.
McCoyd
Judith L M
JL
Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012944:Social Support