Patient preferences for screening in the first trimester.

Area of Science:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Prenatal Diagnostics
• Genetic Counseling

Background:

• Prenatal screening options include First Trimester Screening (FTS) and Integrated Screening (IS).
• Patient preferences and motivations for choosing between FTS and IS are not fully understood.
• The impact of screening results on future preferences requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if women prefer Integrated Screening (IS) over First Trimester Screening (FTS).
• To identify demographic predictors and baseline anxiety levels influencing screening choices.
• To assess if screening results alter patients' future screening preferences.

Main Methods:

• Patients received non-directive genetic counseling and were offered FTS or IS.
• Surveys assessing demographics, motivations, and anxiety were administered before NT ultrasound, in the second trimester, and postpartum.
• Analysis of patient choices and survey responses.

Main Results:

• 60% chose FTS, 40% chose IS; no demographic differences were observed.
• FTS was chosen for early reassurance; IS was chosen for maximum information and reduced need for diagnostic testing.
• Patient motivations remained consistent throughout pregnancy, and satisfaction was high, with only one regret among screen-positive cases.

Conclusions:

• Patient preferences for prenatal screening (FTS vs. IS) cannot be reliably predicted.
• Both FTS and IS should be offered to expectant mothers.
• Non-directive genetic counseling leads to high patient satisfaction with their screening choices.