Authors:
Garel M. Stark C. Blondel B. Lefebvre G. Vauthier-Brouzes D. Zorn JR.
Institution:
M. Garel, Epidemiology Research Unit, Women's and Children's Health, INSERM U
149, 16 Av. Paul Vaillant-Couturier, 94807 Villejuif Cedex; France.
Title:
Psychological reactions after multifetal pregnancy reduction: A 2-year follow-up study (1997-1876).
Source:
Human Reproduction. Vol 12(3) (pp17-622), 1997.
Abstract:
This study had two objectives. Firstly we assessed the effects of multifetal pregnancy reduction on the mothers' emotional well-being and the relationship with the children during the 2 years following intervention. Secondly at 2 years we compared mothers who had a reduction with mothers who had not and had delivered triplets. The comparisons focused on the mothers' health and their relationship with the children. Women having had a reduction in two hospitals in Paris, between May 1992 and June 1993, were contacted just after intervention for a prospective study. In all, 18 women were included. At 1 and 2 years, 10 women participated. At 2 years, 10 additional women were included. The answers of these 20 mothers were compared to those of 11 consecutive mothers of 2 year old triplets, assessed by the same psychologist in a previous prospective study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at home. The mothers' social characteristics, their parity, the children's condition at birth and 4 months were very similar between the reduction and triplet groups. One year after birth one-third of the women in the reduction group reported persistent depressive symptoms related to the reduction, mainly sadness and guilt. The others made medical and rational comments expressing no emotion. At 2 years all but two women seemed to have overcome the emotional pain associated with the reduction. The comparison with mothers of triplets indicated that the mothers' anxiety and depression, and difficult relationship with the children were less acute in the reduction group. These results presented some limitations, since a high number of women who miscarried or refused to participate in the follow-up were not assessed at 1 and 2 years. However, a majority of women who participated in the study 2 years after intervention seemed able to accept a multifetal pregnancy reduction to achieve parental goals.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 How successful is infertility treatment?
- 2 How can we compare infertility treatments?
- 3 How can we compare outcomes between different fertility units?
- 4 Are treatments for infertility improving?
- 5 Is there an increased chance of miscarriage following infertility treatment?
- 6 Is there an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy following infertility treatment?
- 7 What is a heterotopic pregnancy?
- 8 What problems can occur with multiple pregnancy?
- 9 What is selective termination of pregnancy?
- 10 How can the pregnancy risks following infertility treatment be reduced?
- 11 We have had infertility treatment which has been successful. How will our pregnancy be cared for?
- 12 If we have infertility treatment, will our baby be healthy?
- 13 What are the psychological effects of infertility? information?
- 14 Where can I obtain more information?
- 15 Infertility Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
