Pregnant women’s opinion about prenatal screening: A single-center study

Background. Prenatal diagnostics is one of the most important achievements of modern perinatology. We can obtain important information about the risks to the fetus in early pregnancy and take appropriate preventive or curative measures. It is estimated that in the general population, 2–4% of live births are diagnosed with at least one congenital malformation. The incidence of genetically determined diseases and deficiencies make aware how many families are affected by psychological and social problems. Objectives. The aim of the study was to recognize pregnant women’s opinion about prenatal diagnosis. Material and methods. The clinical material included 105 pregnant women who underwent prenatal diagnosis: 79 of them were at risk of congenital malformation (Group A), while 26 had no direct medical indication for prenatal diagnosis (Group B). The study was conducted using a questionnaire survey (Genetic Risk Perception Questionnaire, Prenatal Diagnostic Positive Questionnaire, and Pregnancy Diagnostic Questionnaire; Kornas-Biela). The statistical analysis was based on statistical software STATISTICA 10. Results. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age, number of children and time needed for reflection between obtaining information about the possibility of being diagnosed and a decision made. There was a statistically significant dependence between the number of children possessed and the probability of termination of pregnancy. Conclusions. Prenatal diagnosis is accepted by pregnant women. Pregnant women approve prenatal examinations even if the abnormality is not possible to treat. Both group felt anxiety on the same level. Women who have children consider Women who have children consider performing abortion in the case of confirmed fetus malformation as unacceptable.