Pregnant women's experiences, needs, and preferences regarding information about malformations detected by ultrasound scan

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore pregnant women's experiences of received information in relation to fetal malformation detected on ultrasound. Method: An exploratory descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews with women who continued their pregnancy and women who chose to terminate were audiotaped, the information pathway described, and the text subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Most of the women who expected a baby with an abnormality experienced the information given as insufficient, often misleading, conflicting, or incoherent, and sometimes negative. Important factors for interaction between women and caregivers were timing, duration, and manner of the initial dialog and ongoing support. Positive interactions improved the women's ability to understand the information, fostered feelings of trust and safety which reduced their anxiety. Conclusion: Women expressed dissatisfaction both regarding the care-givers' methods of giving information and apply for information from different specialists and continuity. The study highlights important factors which may be helpful to the professionals for improving the information to this vulnerable group of women. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.