Psychological reactions and coping strategies of Sri Lankan women carrying fetuses with lethal congenital malformations.

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dc.contributor.author Senanayake, H.M.
dc.contributor.author de Silva, D.
dc.contributor.author Premaratne, S.
dc.contributor.author Kulatunge, M.
dc.date.accessioned 2012-03-02T06:26:05Z
dc.date.available 2012-03-02T06:26:05Z
dc.date.issued 2006
dc.identifier.citation Ceylon Med J. 2006 Mar;51(1):14-7. en_US
dc.identifier.uri http://archive.cmb.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/70130/2049
dc.description.abstract INTRODUCTION: Termination of pregnancy is a popular option for pregnancies complicated by lethal congenital malformations (LCMs). In Sri Lanka, where abortion laws are restrictive, this is not available. We studied the psychological responses and coping strategies of women who had to continue their pregnancies knowing the baby had a LCM. SETTING: A teaching hospital in Sri Lanka. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative inquiry. METHOD: We conducted a semi-structured interview of 10 women whose fetuses were diagnosed to have a LCM. RESULTS: All women showed a grief reaction on hearing the news and were distressed about having to carry a futile pregnancy. Eight women were grateful they knew of the abnormality because it prepared them for the birth better, while the other two wished they had not known. They all found having to share facilities with 'normal' women to be painful. Seven women who received 'routine' antenatal care felt that the doctors were ill-equipped to deal with their situation. All felt that abortion should be legalised for LCMs. All engaged in religious rites believed to have miraculous powers, hoping that these will result in a normal baby. Two required specialised counselling. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of a LCM causes severe distress and psychological reactions, which the staff dealing with these women should be aware of. Ideally, they should be provided care with minimum contact with other women, taking into account the futility of the pregnancy. Engagement in religious rites, even though with unreal expectations, may possibly help them in the long term bereavement process. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.title Psychological reactions and coping strategies of Sri Lankan women carrying fetuses with lethal congenital malformations. en_US
dc.type Journal abstract en_US


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