Antenatal diagnosis of surgically correctable anomalies: effects of repeated consultations on parental anxiety.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether or not a correlation exists between antenatal consultations and parental anxiety.

STUDY DESIGN

In total, 31 couples undergoing prenatal consultation after a diagnosis of a surgically correctable anomaly were asked to fill in a questionnaire (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) measuring anxiety levels (AL) both after the first consultation and at birth. Prenatal counselling was done by a perinatal team including paediatric surgeon, obstetrician, and psychologist.

RESULTS

Malformations were: eight diaphragmatic hernias, 10 intestinal atresias, four abdominal masses, nine abdominal wall defects. Each fetus was subsequently followed up at regular intervals from diagnosis to birth. AL at birth were then compared with the number of antenatal consultations. A negative correlation (r=-0.688, p<0.001) was found between the number of consultations and the level of anxiety at birth. Patients having at least two consultations had significantly lower anxiety levels at birth.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of the type of malformation, there is evidence that having more than one antenatal consultation may significantly reduce AL at birth. Therefore, early antenatal diagnosis should be encouraged in order to increase as much as possible chances of repeated consultations for the prospective parents.