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Bekkhus M, Oftedal A, Haugen G, Mortensen B, Kaasen A. Acute symptoms of depression and traumatic stress in men and women who terminate pregnancy after the detection of fetal anomaly: A prospective observational study. BJOG 2024. [PMID: 38899436 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess acute and long-term stress in men and women after the detection of fetal anomalies leading to pregnancy termination. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Tertiary referral centre for fetal medicine. POPULATION From the initial sample of 180 pregnant women with a fetal anomaly detected by ultrasound examination, a total of 87 women terminated their pregnancy, with 72 partners included in the sample. At the time of detection, the group of women (n = 93) and their partners (n = 81) who did not terminate the pregnancy following a diagnosis were included as a comparison group. METHODS These women and their partners were asked to complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Impact of Events Scale (IES) questionnaires, both at the time of initial detection and at 6 weeks after the termination of the pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Responses to the EPDS and the IES at the time of initial detection and at 6 weeks after pregnancy termination. RESULTS Women who underwent pregnancy termination reported higher symptom levels of depression, but not traumatic stress, prior to the termination than women who chose not to terminate their pregnancy. Among men, there was a difference across depression and all subscales of traumatic stress (e.g. IES intrusion: mean difference 5.31; 95% CI 2.32-8.31). Women experienced more depressive symptoms over time than men (β = 4.33, P < 0.001) and higher symptom levels on all subscales of traumatic stress (e.g. IES intrusion: β = 5.27; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study underscores the heightened levels of depression and traumatic stress experienced by prospective parents, particularly prior to the decision to terminate a pregnancy following the detection of a fetal anomaly. Although women generally report more pronounced symptoms, it is noteworthy that men also experience considerable traumatic stress during this challenging time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Bekkhus
- Department of Psychology, PROMENTA Research Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aurora Oftedal
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Department of Children and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guttorm Haugen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Berit Mortensen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Kaasen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Brun P, Groisman B, Bidondo MP, Barbero P, Trotta M, Liascovich R. Prevalence of congenital anomalies and prenatal diagnosis by birth institution (public vs. non-public): indicators of inequality in access to elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. J Community Genet 2024:10.1007/s12687-024-00714-x. [PMID: 38822971 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00714-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies can significantly impact the overall health of the pregnant individual and may influence her decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy. In contexts where safe pregnancy termination is not guaranteed by the state, it can lead to unsafe procedures with severe consequences. In our research, we analyzed epidemiological information on CA to develop potential indicators of inequity in access to safe abortion prior to the legalization of legal termination of pregnancy in Argentina. We included cases from 13 public hospitals and 9 non-public subsector hospitals, from the period 2013-2020. Two groups of specific CA were selected: 1) CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed, and 2) CA related to vascular disruptive events. 10/18 of the selected CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed had a significantly higher prevalence in public hospitals (anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, holoprosencephaly, hydranencephaly, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, bilateral renal agenesis). Non public hospitals had higher prenatal detection. Birth prevalence of CA related with vascular disruptive events (limb reduction, Moebius syndrome, amniotic band sequence) were significantly higher in public hospitals. These results suggest disparities in access to prenatal diagnosis and safe abortion based on socioeconomic status. There was a significant gap in access to prenatal diagnosis for CA and possibly to safe elective abortion depending on the type of institution (public vs. non-public).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Brun
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Centro de Medicina Traslacional, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Cruce, Florencio Varela, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Boris Groisman
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Paz Bidondo
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Unidad Académica de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Barbero
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianela Trotta
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosa Liascovich
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Schubert C, Milverton J, Goodall S, Merlin T. A systematic review to assess the utility of genomic autopsy using exome or genome sequencing in cases of congenital anomalies and perinatal death. Genet Med 2024; 26:101159. [PMID: 38704678 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Exome or genome sequencing (ES or GS) can identify genetic causes of otherwise unexplained congenital anomaly and perinatal death (PND) but is not routine practice. The evidence base for "genomic autopsy" after termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) and PND has been synthesized to determine the value of this investigation. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies meeting prespecified inclusion criteria and containing ≥10 cases of TOPFA or PND (with or without major congenital abnormality), in which ES or GS was conducted. We determined test performance, including diagnostic yield, accuracy, and reliability. We also reported outcomes associated with clinical utility and harms, where described. RESULTS From 2245 potentially eligible studies, 32 publications were eligible and had data extracted, representing 2120 cases that could be meta-analyzed. No diagnostic accuracy or comparative studies were identified, although some analysis of concordance between different ES/GS methodologies could be performed. Studies reporting parent-related outcomes or long-term follow-up did not do so in a systematic or quantifiable manner. CONCLUSION Evidence suggests that approximately one-fourth to one-third of fetal losses associated with TOPFA or unexplained PND are associated with a genetic cause identifiable on ES or GS-albeit this estimate varies depending on phenotypic and background risk factors. Despite the large body of evidence on ES and GS, little research has attempted to validate the accuracy of testing, nor measure the clinical or societal outcomes in families that follow the diagnostic investigation in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Schubert
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA), School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Joanne Milverton
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA), School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephen Goodall
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracy Merlin
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA), School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Ruan J, Zhong X, Mai J, Liu C, Ding H. The status and influencing factors of abnormal fetal pregnancy outcomes in 265 cases in China: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17284. [PMID: 38685940 PMCID: PMC11057424 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the advancement of prenatal diagnosis technology, the detection rate of fetal abnormalities continues to increase, imposing a significant burden on both society and families. A retrospective analysis of essential information about pregnant women, such as their pregnancy history and delivery details, is crucial for understanding the primary factors that influence pregnancy outcomes in women with fetal abnormalities. This analysis is of great significance for improving the level of pregnancy management and outcomes in pregnant women with fetal abnormalities. Objective To retrospectively analyze the pregnancy outcomes of women with fetal abnormalities and explore the factors that influence these outcomes. Methods Pregnant women's pregnancy outcomes were collected from the medical information system and through telephone follow-ups. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. Results Among 265 pregnant women diagnosed with fetal abnormalities, 190 chose to continue the pregnancy, while 75 chose to terminate it. Pregnant women with multiple fetal abnormalities (OR = 3.774, 95% CI [1.640-8.683]) were more likely to choose termination of pregnancy (TOP), and pregnant women who were advised to terminate their pregnancy or make a careful choice were more likely to terminate the pregnancy (OR = 41.113, 95% CI [11.028-153.267]). Conclusion The number of organs involved in fetal abnormalities and treatment recommendations were identified as the primary factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. Improving awareness of maternal health care during pregnancy, early pregnancy screening technology, and a multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment approach are of great significance in assisting pregnant women in making informed decisions and improving fetal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ruan
- Department of Nursing, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuemei Zhong
- Breast Surgery, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiaxuan Mai
- Neonatal Surgery Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cuifen Liu
- Fetal Life Cycle Clinic, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huiyang Ding
- Neonatal Surgery Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Akın Işık R, İş M, Kaya Y. "You Are in the Middle of a Road, a Road With No End": Experiences of Women Who Underwent Medical Termination of Their Pregnancies: A Phenomenologıcal Study. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2024; 26:E83-E90. [PMID: 38206298 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000001006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
This article focused on the experiences of women who underwent medical termination of their pregnancies. The study adopted a qualitative phenomenological research design with a sample of 20 pregnant women. Data were collected between April and June 2022 using a personal information form and a semistructured individual interview. The qualitative data were analyzed into 4 categories: "psychosocial impacts," "impacts on functionality," "coping," and "expectations." These categories comprised 8 themes and 24 subthemes. Nurses play a crucial role in adopting family-centered approaches to offer holistic care. They should prioritize providing physical care throughout the medical termination, while also assessing the psychological impact of fetal loss. Perinatal palliative care and bereavement counseling should be integrated into care practices.
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Goldblatt Hyatt E, Wilpers A, Bahtiyar MO, Hu Y, Leon-Martinez D, Chervenak FA, McCoyd JLM. "I don't have a telephone to the fetus": Clinicians' conceptions of fetal patienthood in maternal-fetal surgery counseling. Soc Sci Med 2024; 342:116525. [PMID: 38199011 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Maternal fetal surgery (MFS) has developed rapidly since the 1960s and centers for fetal diagnosis and therapy (CFDT) have proliferated. As a result, CFDT clinicians have intervened with fetuses through pregnant bodies for decades, yet the patienthood status of the fetus and its implications for the pregnant person's autonomy have been relatively unexamined. OBJECTIVE Our overall research aims were threefold: (1) to explore how clinicians train for and provide counseling for MFS; (2) to examine how clinicians assess fetal patienthood and its implications; and (3) to understand clinicians' professed needs and their recommendations for education and training for the provision of MFS counseling. This focuses on aim two. METHOD In this qualitative study, conducted using in-depth interviews, we examined how 20 clinicians from 17 different sites understood fetal patienthood, how that affected their counseling of pregnant patients, and whether they drew on extant ethical frameworks for guidelines. RESULTS We identified three major themes: 1) Clinicians entered fetal surgery consultations with assumptions about fetal patienthood (frequently informed by beliefs about fetal viability, maternal attachment, and disciplinary perspectives); 2) they consciously assessed their pregnant patients' connections to their fetus to inform or re-calibrate their own understandings of fetal patienthood; and 3) they used a threshold -based conceptualization whereby the fetus achieved patienthood after crossing a symbolic boundary, often related to the clinician's ability to intervene. CONCLUSIONS Few clinicians invoked an extant ethical framework to determine fetal patienthood; most asserted that they did not view directive counseling toward MFS as appropriate, instead working diligently to protect pregnant patients' autonomy and rights to self-determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Goldblatt Hyatt
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Abigail Wilpers
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 9 Philadelphia, PA, USA; Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mert Ozan Bahtiyar
- Fetal Care Center, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive 15 Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yunzhe Hu
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Frank A Chervenak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell 20 and Lenox Hill Hospital, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Judith L M McCoyd
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Maksiutenko EM, Barbitoff YA, Nasykhova YA, Pachuliia OV, Lazareva TE, Bespalova ON, Glotov AS. The Landscape of Point Mutations in Human Protein Coding Genes Leading to Pregnancy Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17572. [PMID: 38139401 PMCID: PMC10743817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss is the most frequent complication of a pregnancy which is devastating for affected families and poses a significant challenge for the health care system. Genetic factors are known to play an important role in the etiology of pregnancy loss; however, despite advances in diagnostics, the causes remain unexplained in more than 30% of cases. In this review, we aggregated the results of the decade-long studies into the genetic risk factors of pregnancy loss (including miscarriage, termination for fetal abnormality, and recurrent pregnancy loss) in euploid pregnancies, focusing on the spectrum of point mutations associated with these conditions. We reviewed the evolution of molecular genetics methods used for the genetic research into causes of pregnancy loss, and collected information about 270 individual genetic variants in 196 unique genes reported as genetic cause of pregnancy loss. Among these, variants in 18 genes have been reported by multiple studies, and two or more variants were reported as causing pregnancy loss for 57 genes. Further analysis of the properties of all known pregnancy loss genes showed that they correspond to broadly expressed, highly evolutionary conserved genes involved in crucial cell differentiation and developmental processes and related signaling pathways. Given the features of known genes, we made an effort to construct a list of candidate genes, variants in which may be expected to contribute to pregnancy loss. We believe that our results may be useful for prediction of pregnancy loss risk in couples, as well as for further investigation and revealing genetic etiology of pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yury A. Barbitoff
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (E.M.M.); (Y.A.N.); (O.V.P.); (T.E.L.); (O.N.B.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrey S. Glotov
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (E.M.M.); (Y.A.N.); (O.V.P.); (T.E.L.); (O.N.B.)
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8
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Gano D, Agarwal S, Khakoo Y. Pediatric Neurology in the Post-Roe Era. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 149:182-183. [PMID: 37913564 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Gano
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Sonika Agarwal
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yasmin Khakoo
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Theroux R, Violette C. Fetal Anomaly: Family Experiences and Preferences for Care: An Integrative Review. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2023; 37:310-324. [PMID: 37878516 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prenatal diagnosis of a fetal anomaly is unexpected, creating a family crisis. Expectant parents are at an increased risk for perinatal depression and traumatic stress. Prior reviews examined parents' experiences when terminating but not continuing the pregnancy. This review synthesized qualitative research to describe the experiences, emotional responses, and needs of families continuing their pregnancy. METHODS An integrative review was performed using the Whitemore and Knafl methodology and PRISMA guidelines. A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2200 on the experiences of fetal anomaly was performed using 5 databases. Eligible articles included qualitative studies describing families' experiences with a fetal anomaly diagnosis who elected to continue their pregnancy. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Critical Skills Appraisal Program checklist. RESULTS Of the 678 article results, 16 met inclusion criteria. There were 298 participants from 5 countries. The major overarching theme of Response to the Diagnosis of Fetal Anomaly was identified. The major categories were emotional response, coping strategies, influences, health care experiences, and family needs. Uncertainty and grief were the most common emotions. DISCUSSION Parents choosing to continue pregnancy benefit from compassionate, sensitive care, and accurate, concise information, provided in tailored instruction using multiple styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Theroux
- UMass Chan Medical School, Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, Worcester (Dr Theroux); and UMASS Chan Medical School Obstetrics and Gynecology & Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, Worcester (Dr Violette)
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Slade L, Obst K, Deussen A, Dodd J. The tools used to assess psychological symptoms in women and their partners after termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: A scoping review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:44-48. [PMID: 37423121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) represents a uniquely distressing and challenging situation for women and their partners. Having appropriate screening tools that best highlight the psychological symptoms experienced by women and their partners is important to be able to guide care. Many validated screening tools for pregnancy and psychological distress exist, with variation in the ease of application and the domains addressed in each. We undertook a scoping review of tools used to assess psychological symptoms in women and/or partners after TOPFA. Of 909 studies, 93 studies including 6248 women and 885 partners were included. Most of the included studies assessed symptoms within six months of TOPFA and highlighted high rates of distress, grief and trauma symptoms. There was broad variation in the tools used between studies and the timing of their implementation. Focusing the care of women and families who undergo TOPFA to validated, broadly available and easily applied screening tools that assess a range of psychological symptoms is key in being able to identify the potential interventions that may be of benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Slade
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Kate Obst
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Deussen
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jodie Dodd
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Galeotti M, Heaney S, Robinson M, Aventin Á. Evaluation of a pregnancy loss education intervention for undergraduate nursing students in Northern Ireland: A pre- and post-test study. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:268. [PMID: 37580730 PMCID: PMC10424365 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research highlights the importance of compassionate communication, adequate delivery of information, and professional support to help alleviate parental distress following pregnancy loss. However, many healthcare professionals do not feel sufficiently trained to deal with pregnancy loss in practice. We aimed to address this deficiency with an evidence-informed educational intervention to increase knowledge, skills, self-awareness, and confidence regarding pregnancy loss among UK nursing students. METHODS Educational resources, which included an 82-minute podcast and 40-minute online lecture were developed. The podcast focused on the lived experiences of three women who had experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. The pre-recorded lecture included definitions of types of pregnancy loss, discussion of the importance of communication, and information on the clinical management of pregnancy loss. Students were presented with both the lecture and podcast as a self-directed element of existing curricula. A pre-test/post-test cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the impact of the educational intervention. The Perinatal Bereavement Care Confidence Scale (PBCCS) was completed by 244 first year BSc Nursing students before and up to a week after receiving the intervention. Quantitative data were analysed using a Paired Samples Wilcoxon test. Responses to open-ended questions, which allowed students to give feedback on the intervention content and delivery were analysed using Qualitative Content Analysis. RESULTS 96% (n = 235) of the sample reported having no prior experience or training in the management and support of those experiencing pregnancy loss. At pre-test, 88% (n = 215) of students rated themselves as not confident in dealing with pregnancy loss in a professional capacity. Post-test, we found statistically significant effects for perceived competency on all learning outcomes (p < .001). Qualitative analysis of n = 745 individual text responses to open-ended questions indicated four categories related to the perceived value of using real-life stories for learning, demystifying a taboo subject, and providing tools for practice. Respondents suggested the inclusion of more information on memory-making, support networks, and mental health following pregnancy loss. CONCLUSIONS The educational intervention increased student nurses' perceived knowledge, confidence, and skills in caring for families experiencing pregnancy loss. This offers potential for increased quality of care for those experiencing pregnancy loss in healthcare settings, increased patient satisfaction, and improved mental health-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Galeotti
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Heaney
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Robinson
- Stress, Trauma and Related Conditions Research Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Áine Aventin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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12
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Francis K, Wilpers A, Eichhorn B, Rimbos K, Pedersen N, Gosnell KA. Fetal Care Nursing-The Birth of a Specialty. Nurs Womens Health 2023:S1751-4851(23)00088-0. [PMID: 37271181 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid growth of specialized fetal care centers (FCCs) across the United States, a new area of nursing practice has emerged. Fetal care nurses provide care in FCCs to pregnant persons experiencing complex fetal conditions. This article describes the unique practice of fetal care nurses necessitated by the complexity of perinatal care and the provision of maternal-fetal surgery in FCCs. The Fetal Therapy Nurse Network has played a significant role in the evolution of this nursing practice and will serve as a platform for the generation of core competencies and the development of a potential specialty certification for fetal care nurses.
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13
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Roncoroni J, Whitaker S, Magdamo B, Hendrix T, Zaręba K, Yohannes R. Perceptions of Patient-Centered Care and Their Association With Patient Satisfaction in Abortions for Medical Reasons. Womens Health Issues 2023:S1049-3867(23)00069-5. [PMID: 37230927 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abortions for medical reasons, which happen in the event of fetal abnormalities or maternal life endangerment, are highly politicized and understudied given their prevalence. Our objective was to understand the health care experiences of U.S. individuals who had an abortion of a wanted pregnancy for medical reasons in the second or third trimester. METHODS Participants were recruited on Facebook and completed surveys with their demographic information, their perception of their health provider's cultural sensitivity, their patient satisfaction, and their satisfaction with their decision to proceed with an abortion for medical reasons. RESULTS Participants were 132 women who were mostly between the ages of 31 and 40 (72.7%), highly educated (84.1% had at least a 4-year college degree), and non-Hispanic White (85.6%). There was no statistically significant difference in patients' rated highest average item score on their providers' Competence or Sensitivity; however, average item scores of providers' Competence and Sensitivity were both higher than Respect scores. Linear regression results show that experiencing patient-centered care significantly predicted patient satisfaction (β = .73, t(131) = 12.03, p < .001) and decision satisfaction (β = .37, t(131) = 4.63, p < .001). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the importance of training providers to deliver patient-centered care that empowers patients to adapt to challenging situations, such as the diagnosis of medical concerns during pregnancy. Providers understanding and supporting the complex process of an abortion for medical reasons can ameliorate the emotional impact of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Roncoroni
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado.
| | - Salina Whitaker
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Brigid Magdamo
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Tayler Hendrix
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Kornelia Zaręba
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, College of Medicine & Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rebekah Yohannes
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
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Zhang Q, Qin C, Xie J, Li X, Zeng L, Wang Y, Wang Y, Peng H. Effect and pathway of abortion stigma on depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy in pregnant women with fetal anomaly. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:435-443. [PMID: 37164927 PMCID: PMC10930079 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.220327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the effect and pathway of abortion stigma on depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy in pregnant women with fetal anomaly. METHODS Based on literature review, a self-made general demographic information questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Fusion, the Responses to Stress Questionnaire and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used to investigate pregnant women with fetal anomaly before abortion in tertiary general hospitals and specialist maternity hospitals in Changsha, to develop a hypothesis model of the factors influencing depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy. The hypothesis model was verified by applying structural equation modelling analysis. RESULTS The structural equation model showed that the stigma directly or indirectly influenced depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy via psychological flexibility, social support and avoidance coping. The total effect value was 0.55 (P<0.05), the direct effect value was 0.22 (P<0.05), and the indirect effect value was 0.33 (P<0.05). Psychological flexibility and social support had protective mediating effects, while avoidance coping had harmful mediating effects. CONCLUSIONS Abortion stigma has large positive effect on the depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy in pregnant women with fetal anomaly. Among direct and indirect effect, the indirect effect is major. Effective measures to reduce the stigma, increase psychological flexibility, improve social support and coping style will have an important influence on the prevention and reduction of depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxiang Zhang
- Nursing Department, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Chunxiang Qin
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013
- Health Management Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Jiaying Xie
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Xi Li
- Jishou University School of Medicine, Jishou Hunan 416000
| | - Lihong Zeng
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Ying Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Yaohan Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Huiting Peng
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
- Department of Gynecology, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China.
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Termination of pregnancy for fetal malformation: A traumatic event? A qualitative analysis of women's perception. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOSOMATISCHE MEDIZIN UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023; 69:36-55. [PMID: 36927315 DOI: 10.13109/zptm.2023.69.1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate women's experience of termination of pregnancy (TOP) for severe fetal malformation.We focus on women's individual perception of psychological counselling on decision making, experiencing the birth process, seeing and holding the baby as well as emotional processing. Methods: An explorative study was conducted with 42 women (the age range was between 21 and 45 years [mean 36.17; SD±6.66]) on average twelve months after TOP using semi-structured qualitative interviews. All women received psychological counselling before, during and after the time of TOP (mean 5.2; range 2-11), at the initial counselling session all partners were present. Data were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis by Mayring; the main research question focused on women's perception of psychological counselling on experiencing TOP and coping with this incisive life event. Results: After receiving psychological counselling most of the women felt sufficiently prepared to make a decision, to experience the birth process and to bid farewell to their child. Seeing and holding the baby were perceived as helpful for emotional processing. At the time of the interview, despite the emotional distress,most women reported having positivememories and felt they had coped with the loss. Conclusions: Long-term psychological care from the time of diagnosis through TOP and follow up impacts positively on experiencing TOP, saying farewell to the child and integrating the loss into life. Further studies to detect women at risk for prolonged mourning-reactions are needed.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Arora A, Aggarwal N, Gupta M. Legal Limits Relaxed: Time to Look at Other Barriers Faced by Women Seeking Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomalies. Cureus 2023; 15:e34144. [PMID: 36843792 PMCID: PMC9948682 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advancements in prenatal diagnostic techniques have led to an increase in demand for termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies (TOPFA). While relaxation in the legal gestational age limits across various countries relieves an important barrier, there is a need to identify the reasons that lead to delays in seeking abortion for fetal anomalies, because abortion-related complications increase with gestational age. Methods In this hospital-based qualitative study, antenatal women referred to a tertiary care institute in North India because of major fetal anomalies were explained about the study. Those women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited after taking consent. Details of antenatal care and prenatal tests were recorded. An in-depth inquiry was made into the reasons for the delay in prenatal tests, the delay in the decision for abortion, and specific problems that they faced in seeking TOPFA. Results Out of 80 women who met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate, more than 75% had received antenatal care in public healthcare facilities. Less than 50% of women received folic acid in the first trimester while 26% had first contact with healthcare facilities in the second trimester. Only 21 women underwent screening for common aneuploidies. Second-trimester anomaly scan was delayed in 35 women due to women-centered reasons (n = 17) or provider-centered (n = 19) reasons. Only 37.5% of women were counseled about fetal anomalies by their primary care provider. Owing to delay at multiple levels, 40 women (50%) could receive counseling about fetal abnormality for the first time after 20 weeks. These women could not be offered abortion because this study was carried out before the amendments in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act in India. The older act allowed abortion up to 20 weeks of gestation. Seventeen women could obtain permission for an abortion from a court of law. Arrangements for travel and stay and dependence on family members were the main problems faced by women seeking TOPFA. Conclusions Delay in diagnosis of a fetal anomaly due to delay in seeking antenatal care, irregular follow-up, and lack of pre-test counseling are the major reasons for the delay in the decision for abortion. This is further compounded by inadequate post-test counseling. Lack of awareness, failure or delay in counseling, need to travel to another facility for abortion, dependence on family members, and financial issues are the major barriers.
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