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Related Experiment Videos

Decision making regarding multifetal reduction.

Michelle Maifeld1, Sandra Hahn, Marita G Titler

  • 1Center for Advanced Reproductive Care, Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care, College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA. michelle-maifeld@uiowa.edu

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|May 31, 2003
PubMed
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Couples undergoing multifetal reduction (MFR) decisions prioritized infant and maternal health risks. While participants felt more positive over time, the decision-making process and its aftermath presented significant emotional and ethical challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Psychological Health

Background:

  • Multifetal pregnancies carry increased risks for both mother and infants.
  • Multifetal reduction (MFR) is a procedure to reduce the number of fetuses, aiming to improve outcomes for the remaining fetuses and the mother.
  • Decision-making regarding MFR is complex, involving significant emotional and ethical considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key factors influencing decisions about multifetal reduction (MFR).
  • To explore the emotional impact of MFR decisions on individuals over time.
  • To understand the long-term consequences of undergoing MFR.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, exploratory, and descriptive study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Keywords:
Empirical ApproachGenetics and Reproduction

Related Experiment Videos

  • Interviews were conducted with 11 couples undergoing MFR for triplet or higher-order pregnancies at three time points: 2 weeks postreduction, 6 weeks postpartum, and 6 months postpartum.
  • Content and matrix analysis were used to identify themes and compare experiences between males and females over time, alongside marital adjustment trends.

    • Main Results:

    • The primary drivers for MFR decisions were the risks associated with higher-order pregnancies and the desire to preserve the health of the mother and remaining infants.
    • Emotional issues and moral/ethical dilemmas were identified as the most challenging aspects of the reduction process.
    • Although participants reported increasingly positive feelings about their decision over time, some negative emotions also emerged progressively.

    Conclusions:

    • Risk aversion was a significant factor in the decision to undergo MFR.
    • The process of making and living with the MFR decision posed considerable emotional difficulties for the couples studied.
    • There is a clear need for interventions to support couples navigating the complexities of MFR decisions and their subsequent emotional impact.