Adjustment to termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: a longitudinal study in women at 4, 8, and 16 months.
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.
Korenromp
Marijke J
MJ
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, KE 04123.1, Post box 85090, Utrecht 8508 AB, The Netherlands. m.korenromp@planet.nl
Page-Christiaens
Godelieve C M L
GC
van den Bout
Jan
J
Mulder
Eduard J H
EJ
Visser
Gerard H A
GH
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