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Prenatal diagnostic decision-making in adolescents
Stacey L Plaga1, Kristin Demarco, Lee P Shulman
1Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|May 18, 2005
Summary
Pregnant adolescents make informed decisions about invasive prenatal testing, similar to adults. Unique adolescent needs may require tailored genetic counseling approaches to manage increasing demand.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive genetics
- Adolescent healthcare
- Prenatal diagnostics
Background:
- Pregnant adolescents face unique challenges in prenatal decision-making.
- Identifying fetal genetic abnormalities necessitates specialized genetic counseling.
- Adolescent genetic counseling requires consideration of developmental and psychosocial factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate prenatal decision-making among pregnant adolescents at risk for fetal genetic abnormalities.
- To understand the factors influencing adolescent choices regarding invasive prenatal testing.
- To assess the implications of increasing demand for genetic counseling services for pregnant adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for pregnant women aged 19 and younger.
- Analysis of genetic counseling sessions from 2001-2003 at a hospital-based academic center.
- Inclusion criteria focused on decisions regarding invasive prenatal diagnostic testing.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three pregnant adolescents (average age 17.6) were included.
- Reasons for counseling included positive screening, family history, or ultrasound findings.
- Nearly half (48.5%) opted for invasive testing (amniocentesis, CVS), while 51.5% declined.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents' decisions on invasive prenatal testing align with adult criteria.
- Unique adolescent considerations necessitate adapted genetic counseling communication strategies.
- The growing number of adolescents requiring genetic counseling will strain existing resources, demanding new service models.