The management of the patient having fetal diagnosis

The non-technical aspects of delivery of prenatal diagnostic services deserve consideration. Communication with the patient and her partner about their risks of fetal abnormality, the risks of tests and the interpretation of results is essential if the couple are to make the right choices for themselves. Some results of prenatal tests are easy to interpret but others are more difficult either because the clinical consequences cannot be predicted or because the laboratory results are 'borderline' or could be artifactual. Further tests to clarify the situation may be necessary and expert help sought from several disciplines. Staff involved in the care of a woman undergoing termination of pregnancy should be willing to participate in the procedures sympathetically. Post-termination examination of the aborted fetus is necessary both for genetic counselling and quality control for the tests employed. Throughout the various stages of prenatal diagnosis, support should be provided for the couple; this is particularly necessary for those who have had a previous abnormal baby. For those undergoing termination of pregnancy, skilled help should be offered to minimize long-term adverse sequelae.