title: Experiences regarding maternal age-specific risks and prenatal testing of women of advanced maternal age in Japan.
abstract: The number of pregnant women of advanced maternal age has increased worldwide. Women in this group have an increased chance of fetal abnormality. To explore Japanese women's experiences regarding maternal age-specific risks and prenatal testing, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 women aged 35 years or over who had given birth within the previous three months to a healthy, term infant. Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data was performed and three major themes were identified: inadequate understanding of genetic risks; insufficiently informed choice regarding prenatal testing; and need for more information from health professionals. Some participants were not aware of maternal age-specific risks to the fetus. Many took their cues from health professionals and did not raise the topic themselves, but would have considered prenatal testing if made aware of the risks. Nurses, midwives and other health professionals need to adequately inform pregnant women about the genetic risks to the fetus and offer testing at an appropriate stage early in the pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
authors.forename: Kyoko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murakami
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.|Department of Global Health and Nursing, Division of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turale
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skirton
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Faye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Doris
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ryukus, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Kumiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsujino
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health & Welfare, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Japan.
authors.forename: Misae
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ito
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
authors.forename: Saeko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kutsunugi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007564:Japan; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: advanced maternal age; fetal abnormality; informed choice; prenatal testing; qualitative study; risk perception; thematic analysis