The impact of cytogenic prenatal diagnosis (PND) and maternal anxiety on early mother-child interaction

Abstract

doi: 10.5216/ree.v15i2.16747 - http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v15i2.16747.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this longitudinal study was to study the influence of cytogenic prenatal diagnosis on maternal anxiety, her adaptation to pregnancy and on early mother-child relation, particularly in pregnant women at a mature age. The sample was formed by three groups of pregnant women: G1selected for amniocentesis (?35 years old); G2 selected for amniocentesis through screening (<35 years old); G3 pregnant women not selected (20-34 years old). The study was performed between March of 2008 and May of 2009. The results revealed that the expectation to take the cytogenic test increases anxiety-state more significantly among women referred to tests after a positive screening; the anxiety-state evidenced by mothers is a mediator of the mother-child interaction and feelings towards the pregnancy. These results permit to found recommendations in the sense of making a prophylactic intervention among mothers who, during pregnancy, reacted to the test with greater anxiety.

Descriptors: Pregnancy; Amniocentesis; Anxiety; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Behavior.