Impact of prenatal diagnosis in families

Results are presented from a study of the experiences of families in which mothers utilized prenatal diagnostic testing. Responses indicate that many parents are discussing prenatal testing even with their very young children. Potentially stressful areas for children were seen in their expressed concerns about possibilities of detecting a defect, harm to the mother, and abortion. Preschool age children seemed especially vulnerable to becoming frightened by fantasies about the medical procedures. Recommendations are made for increased social work involvement in screening for and delivering services to families and children who encounter difficulties with the prenatal testing experience.