What are the latest advances in Anencephaly?

http://dmpi.duke.edu/anencephaly Anencephaly Psychological Impact We conducted a project to examine the relationship between pregnancy management choices and psychological distress following the loss of a baby to anencephaly. Men and women who previously lost a baby to anencephaly completed questionnaires to collect information about their pregnancy and to assess levels of grief, post-traumatic stress and depression. Individual experiences varied greatly but several patterns were observed:  Women experienced more psychological distress than men.  Psychological distress tended to decrease over time.  Increased participation in organizational religious activities, such as attending church, resulted in less grief in both women and men.  Pregnancy continuation resulted in less despair, avoidance and depression in women (this was not true for men).  Pregnancy termination early in pregnancy resulted in less psychological distress than pregnancy termination later in pregnancy, especially for men. Ultimately, coping with the loss of a baby is deeply personal and will be experienced differently by each person. We recommend health care providers discuss the risks and benefits of all options, but allow the family to make decisions that are best for them. Cope H. et al (2015) Pregnancy continuation and organizational religious activity following prenatal diagnosis of a lethal fetal defect are associated with improved psychological outcome. Prenatal Diagnosis, 35: 761-768.

8/16/17 by Lisa 1685