What information do parents want from the antenatal consultation?

To explore whether the information content, process and social interaction of the antenatal consultation satisfies the informational needs of women admitted to hospital in preterm and threatened preterm labour.

Fifty women with pregnancies of gestational ages of between 25 and 32 weeks were admitted to a tertiary care perinatal referral centre and provided with an antenatal consultation about the medical risks and treatments relative to their potentially premature infant. Within 48 h following the consultation, patients were asked to respond to a questionnaire to assess their recall of the information provided, their information expectations and their anxiety level.

The majority of respondents (92%) thought that the antenatal consultation increased their knowledge and understanding of what might happen if their infant was born preterm. Although the mean state anxiety score was high, 78% agreed that the consultation relieved some of their worry and anxiety about their baby. In rank order, respondents wanted information about chances of survival, likely medical problems and the risk for disability, followed by medical treatments and breastfeeding. They consistently recalled receiving information about chances of survival, likely medical problems and medical treatments.

Following the antenatal consultation, respondents were generally satisfied with the information provided but remained highly anxious. Recall of the discussion about disability was inconsistent. They reported needing an opportunity to express their feelings, and to talk about their baby and their anticipated interaction with their baby. Recognizing these aspects can help to improve physician-patient communication.