Pregnant women’s perspectives on decision-making when a fetal malformation is detected by ultrasound examination

ObjectivesThe aims of the study were to explore factors influencing the decision to continue or terminate pregnancy due to detection of fetal malformation following ultrasound examination, to elucidate the need for more information or other routines to facilitate the decision-making process and to assess satisfaction with the decision made.DesignDescriptive study.SettingFour fetal care referral centres in Stockholm, Sweden.PopulationPregnant women with a detected fetal malformation.MethodsData was collected by questionnaires. 134 women participated, 99 completing the questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.ResultsBoth women who continued and those who terminated pregnancy based their decision on the severity of the malformation. Other reasons for terminating the pregnancy were aspects including socioeconomic considerations. None stated religious factors. The doctor at the fetal care unit also had an influence on the decision-making. The timeframe receiving information was regarded as long enough in duration but not the number of occasions. In both groups the women made the decision by themselves or together with their partners. The majority experienced that they had made the right decision. Women who terminated their pregnancy had a significant higher rate (51.2%) (p ⩽ 0.004) of previous abortions than those in the continuing group (23.2%).ConclusionThe decision to continue or terminate the pregnancy was to a great extent based on the severity of the malformation. Religious aspects did not seem to influence the decision. Many women expressed a need for additional occasion of information. The vast majority of women were satisfied with their decision.