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  • Original Article
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Prenatal counseling beyond the threshold of viability

Journal of Perinatology volume 33, pages 358–362 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

It is common clinical practice to counsel parents expecting an early-moderate premature birth. The aim of the current study was to assess maternal knowledge of potential problems of prematurity after counseling.

Study design:

Prospective study of 49 participants admitted between 23 and 33 weeks gestation with threatened premature birth; a prematurity knowledge questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered after counseling but before delivery.

Result:

Across all gestational-ages, participants were more aware of short-term problems than long-term problems. With increasing gestational age the knowledge of long-term problems decreased (P=0.01). Maternal knowledge was 82% for gestational ages where clear guidelines exist regarding goal of counseling and information that should be provided to the parents.

Conclusion:

Most mothers of early-moderate premature infants are not aware of the potential for long-term problems. Guidelines, which outline the information that should be provided to parents, may improve maternal knowledge after counseling.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Scott and White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA

    V P Govande

  2. Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Corporate Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    K J Brasel, U G Das, J I Koop, J Lagatta & M A Basir

Authors
  1. V P Govande
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  2. K J Brasel
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  3. U G Das
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  4. J I Koop
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  5. J Lagatta
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  6. M A Basir
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Correspondence to M A Basir.

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Govande, V., Brasel, K., Das, U. et al. Prenatal counseling beyond the threshold of viability. J Perinatol 33, 358–362 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2012.129

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