Prenatal counseling beyond the threshold of viability.
OBJECTIVE
It is common clinical practice to counsel parents expecting an early-moderate premature birth. The aim of the current study was to assess maternal knowledge of potential problems of prematurity after counseling.


METHODS
Prospective study of 49 participants admitted between 23 and 33 weeks gestation with threatened premature birth; a prematurity knowledge questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered after counseling but before delivery.


RESULTS
Across all gestational-ages, participants were more aware of short-term problems than long-term problems. With increasing gestational age the knowledge of long-term problems decreased (P=0.01). Maternal knowledge was 82% for gestational ages where clear guidelines exist regarding goal of counseling and information that should be provided to the parents.


CONCLUSIONS
Most mothers of early-moderate premature infants are not aware of the potential for long-term problems. Guidelines, which outline the information that should be provided to parents, may improve maternal knowledge after counseling.
Scott and White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA.
V P
VP
Govande
K J
KJ
Brasel
U G
UG
Das
J I
JI
Koop
J
J
Lagatta
M A
MA
Basir
D003376:Counseling; D002658:Developmental Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005328:Fetal Viability; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires