Amniocentesis in the early second trimester of pregnancy and maternal anxiety.

Anxiety state and trait were measured before and after amniocentesis early in the second trimester of pregnancy, in a group of 28 women who were at risk of bearing an abnormal foetus. A significant decrease in maternal anxiety occurred in the majority of women after receiving the results of the amniocentesis. It is concluded that amniocentesis for intrauterine diagnosis of foetal abnormalities makes a significant contribution to the psychological wellbeing of those pregnant women who are at greater risk of having an abnormal baby.