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Elective amniocentesis in low-risk pregnancies: decision making in the era of information and uncertainty
1School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. lessey@inter.net.il
Objectives:
Rational choice theory was applied to explain women's use of amniocentesis. Variables included knowledge about prenatal diagnostics, attitudes, and emotional preferences.
Methods:
Using structured instruments at 9 to 14 and at 29 to 34 weeks' gestation, we interviewed 232 Israeli women who had low-risk pregnancies.
Results:
Women who had elective amniocentesis (n = 39) were more knowledgeable about prenatal diagnostics, risks of invasive procedures, and probability of fetal abnormality in high maternal age; had fewer children; and had less favorable attitudes toward parenthood than those who had medically indicated amniocentesis (n = 57) and those who did not have amniocentesis (n = 136).
Conclusions:
The use and possible overuse of amniocentesis were associated with having more information about prenatal diagnostics and definite emotional preferences.
