Participants' reaction to amniocentesis and prenatal genetic studies

Little is known about the effect of amniocentesis and prenatal diagnosis of genetic disease on couples undergoing such studies. A questionnaire was composed to evaluate, among other things, the reason for referral, attitudes and concerns of the pregnant woman and her husband toward prenatal study, and suggestions for improving the experience. Of 315 women referred to this unit for this purpose, 196 have had time to complete their pregnancy and were mailed the questionnaire; 157 (80%) of the latter responded. The majority of the women found the experience reassuring, would recommend it to others, and would seek it again themselves with a subsequent pregnancy.