Prospective counselling after prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations: interventions and parental reactions.

A model of prospective counselling and intervention after prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformation is presented. 13 patients/couples with severe malformations were fully counselled, 3 patients/couples interviewed post-termination. Objectives of the counselling strategy were to support patient autonomy, facilitate mourning and reduce narcissistic damage. Counselled patients showed certain benefits concerning the acceptance of the malformation and feelings of autonomy. Integration of psychodynamic knowledge into routine care and obligatory psychotherapeutic counselling are proposed.