Prenatal Tests Undergone by Moslem Women who Live with an Abnormal Child Compared to Women who Live with Normal Child

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether Moslem women with an abnormal child at home perform more prenatal tests and pregnancy termination compared to Moslem women who had only a normal child at home. Study Methods: Moslem women (704) participated; 67% (470) lived at home with an abnormal child; 33% (234) only with a normal child. Of the women with an abnormal child, 50% lived in the cities, 47% were nonreligious, 49% had no academic education, and most (95%) had experienced a natural pregnancy. Of the women with a normal child, 49% lived in the cities, 44% were religious, and 50% had no academic education, most (80%) experienced a nonspontaneous pregnancy. Ages: 18-42 (mean 31). Results: Most women with an abnormal child experienced spontaneous pregnancy; however, only 8% were aware of an abnormal fetus. Women with a normal child had experienced a nonspontaneous pregnancy (80%), however, most (97%) had undergone prenatal testing and chose to terminate the pregnancy (p<0.001) due to an abnormality. Conclusion: Moslem women who live at home with a normal child, performed significantly more prenatal tests and terminated most pregnancies when diagnosed with an abnormal fetus, compared to women who lived with an abnormal child. Most of the women with a normal child experienced a non-spontaneous pregnancy which could explain why they received more counseling relating to existing prenatal tests.