Adjustment to termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: a longitudinal study in women at 4, 8, and 16 months
Korenromp, M.J.; Page-Christiaens, G.C.M.L.; van den Bout, J.; Mulder, E.J.H.; Visser, G.H.A.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 201(2): 160.E1-7
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1097-6868 PMID: 19560116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2009.04.007Document Number: 207214
We studied psychological outcomes and predictors for adverse outcome in 147 women 4, 8, and 16 months after termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly. We conducted a longitudinal study with validated self-completed questionnaires. 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. 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.
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