title: Adjustment to termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: a longitudinal study in women at 4, 8, and 16 months.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We studied psychological outcomes and predictors for adverse outcome in 147 women 4, 8, and 16 months after termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a longitudinal study with validated self-completed questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four months after termination 46% of women showed pathological levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms, decreasing to 20.5% after 16 months. As to depression, these figures were 28% and 13%, respectively. Late onset of problematic adaptation did not occur frequently. Outcome at 4 months was the most important predictor of persistent impaired psychological outcome. Other predictors were low self-efficacy, high level of doubt during decision making, lack of partner support, being religious, and advanced gestational age. Strong feelings of regret for the decision were mentioned by 2.7% of women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly has significant psychological consequences for 20% of women up to > 1 year. Only few women mention feelings of regret.
authors: Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, KE 04123.1, Post box 85090, Utrecht 8508 AB, The Netherlands. m.korenromp@planet.nl
authors: Marijke J
authors: MJ
authors: Korenromp
authors: Godelieve C M L
authors: GC
authors: Page-Christiaens
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: van den Bout
authors: Eduard J H
authors: EJ
authors: Mulder
authors: Gerard H A
authors: GH
authors: Visser
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000523:psychology*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult