Amniocentesis: Its impact on mothers and infants. A 1‐year follow‐up study

Abstract

In a 1-year follow-up study, the effects of amniocentesis for genetic diagnosis upon 22 infants and their mothers were assessed. The infants were tested at 1 year of age on the Bayley Infant Scale of Mental and Motor Development. No deviations from normal mental or motor development were found. The mothers were interviewed at the same time, in order to better understand the emotional aspects of the experience. Women between ages 35-39 with no previously affected child tended to accept amniocentesis easily, as an appropriate part of parnatal care. Mothers with a previous defective child tended to have more painful emotional reactions, including higher anxiety over the test and more conflict about a possible abortion. They needed more intensive and extended counseling. We suggest that the issue of abortion is important, even if manageable by most women, and that a chance to discuss it may be significant.The effects of amniocentesis for genetic diagnosis were assessed in 22 mothers and their infants in a 1-year follow-up study. Among the infants, there lere no deleterious effects on mental and motor developme nt at 1 year of age. Women aged 35-39 years, whose previous children were normal, tended to accept the procedure easily, while those who already had a congenitally abnormal child were more deeply affected emotionally. These women were particularly anxious about the procedure and the possibility of abortion being indicated. This group required more intensive and longer counseling. It is suggested that the possibility of abortion be freely and openly discussed by the counselor with the amniocentesis patient.