Factors Influencing Informed Choice of Prenatal Diagnosis: Women’s Feelings and Attitudes

OBJECTIVE: To obtain knowledge about factors that could influence women's informed choice and extent of prenatal diagnosis, her feelings when implementing it, and her satisfaction. METHOD: A questionnaire including Visual Analogue Scale was given to 823 women and replies received from 662 (80.4%). Ease of choice was the basis for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The factors that most often influenced choice were the fetus health, maternal age, and knowledge of the consequences. The choice was easy to make, only 2% finding it very difficult. The time period from the amniocentesis until the results were available was the most difficult time reported. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of method for prenatal diagnosis was very easy for most women. Satisfaction with choice was high (98%). Extra support can be needed while awaiting results of invasive prenatal diagnosis.