The impact of our images: psychological implications in expectant parents after a prenatal diagnosis

Pediatr Radiol. 2020 Dec;50(13):2028-2033. doi: 10.1007/s00247-020-04765-3. Epub 2020 Nov 30.

Abstract

Parents are at heightened risk for perinatal depression, anxiety and traumatic stress after receiving a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital anomaly. Identifying patients at risk and implementing effective support is crucial to optimizing care in this vulnerable population. A multidisciplinary care team with embedded psychosocial support services can be utilized to evaluate and address the needs of pregnant women and their families, not only at the time of diagnosis, but throughout the course of the pregnancy and postpartum period. Provider awareness helps to facilitate expedited referral to psychosocial services to provide comprehensive care to the patient and family unit.

Keywords: Fetus; Mental health screening; Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; Perinatal psychological risk; Pregnancy; Prenatal diagnosis; Psychosocial risk; Traumatic stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Parents
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Stress, Psychological