Prenatal counseling beyond the threshold of viability. J Perinatol 2013 May;33(5):358-62
Date
10/20/2012Pubmed ID
23079775DOI
10.1038/jp.2012.129Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84877579934 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 18 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: It is common clinical practice to counsel parents expecting an early-moderate premature birth. The aim of the current study was to assess maternal knowledge of potential problems of prematurity after counseling.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 49 participants admitted between 23 and 33 weeks gestation with threatened premature birth; a prematurity knowledge questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered after counseling but before delivery.
RESULT: Across all gestational-ages, participants were more aware of short-term problems than long-term problems. With increasing gestational age the knowledge of long-term problems decreased (P=0.01). Maternal knowledge was 82% for gestational ages where clear guidelines exist regarding goal of counseling and information that should be provided to the parents.
CONCLUSION: Most mothers of early-moderate premature infants are not aware of the potential for long-term problems. Guidelines, which outline the information that should be provided to parents, may improve maternal knowledge after counseling.
Author List
Govande VP, Brasel KJ, Das UG, Koop JI, Lagatta J, Basir MAAuthors
Mir Abdul Basir MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinJennifer I. Koop Olsta PhD Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Joanne M. Lagatta MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
CounselingDevelopmental Disabilities
Female
Fetal Viability
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Infant, Premature, Diseases
Mothers
Pregnancy
Surveys and Questionnaires
