People who influence women's decisions and preferred sources of information about prenatal testing for birth defects

Abstract

Background: More than half of Victorian pregnant women are undergoing prenatal testing for birth defects, although little is known about the factors that are influencing their decisions. Aims: To examine whom women perceived as influencing their decision about prenatal testing for birth defects, with whom they would have liked to talk more, and what sources of information they preferred. Methods: A total of 737 pregnant women aged 37 years and over, who either had or had not undergone prenatal testing (screening and/or diagnosis) completed a questionnaire in 18 hospitals throughout Victoria. Results: Over 90% reported that they themselves had a strong influence on their decision, and 70% rep..