Factors Affecting Women's Acceptance of Amniocentesis and Their Concerns

The purpose of this study was to determine factors which related to women’s acceptance of ammiocentesis. Subjects included two groups: 200 pregnant women who came to a teaching hospital for amniocentesis (clinic group), and 169 community women who had given birth to a baby at an advanced maternal age with or without amniocentesis (community group). The main reason for seeking amniocentesis was advanced maternal age for both groups. More women with previous affected child in the clinic group sought for amniocentesis. The major concern of women prior to the procedure was the results of the test. Side effects included the following: discomfort, lower abdominal cramping pain, and vaginal bleeding or amniotic fluid leakage occurred during one week after the procedure of the amniocentesis. Of the community group, 51 (30.2%) had amniocentesis and 16 (9.5%) had chorionic villus sampling. About 60.1% of community group did not undergo amniocentesis for the following reasons: perceived low risk, fear of possible complications and the obstetricians’ negative attitude. Lack of knowledge, concern about risks of amniocentesis or lack of physicians’ referral were major reason for women at an advanced maternal age not seeking ammiocentesis. The findings of this study have important implications for the delivery of genetic counseling in the future.

並列關鍵字

amniocentesis ； advanced maternal age ； genetic counseling

國際替代計量

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