Backdating miscarriages and abortions in patients at practice-based gynaecological offices: Worth a question?

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of adverse obstetric history in women who consult practice-based gynaecologists and examine distinctive characteristics of the affected women.

Study design

We screened 921 women and acquired standardized obstetric and psychological data of 585 participants.

Results

Twenty-six percent of the screened women exhibited an adverse obstetric history (pregnancy loss, medically indicated or voluntary abortion) that dated back an average of 19 years. No noticeable general psychological issues could be ascertained among the affected women (somatic symptoms, depression, stress). 28 percent of these women stated to be still under emotional distress because of the gynaecological impact. These women indicated dysfunctional attribution patterns, pronounced coping efforts, stronger, longer lasting symptoms of grief, posttraumatic stress and depression.

Conclusion

About one fourth of this gynaecological outpatient sample exhibited an adverse obstetric history. Although most of these women don’t show psychiatric symptoms of clinical relevance, gynaecologists should ask for backdating miscarriages and abortions and the extent of persistent psychological strain. This allows detecting those women who did not manage to handle this experience in a functional way. Support for a change in dysfunctional attribution and coping strategies as well as for a decrease in grief, posttraumatic symptoms and depression can be provided.