A patient's reaction to amniocentesis.

The waiting period for the results of amniocentesis is often an anxious time for the pregnant woman. There is a strong attachment to the unborn child because the pregnancy is quite advanced. Choosing termination of the pregnancy at this stage can be a very painful decision. Medical personnel can ease the pregnant woman's anxiety by modifying several aspects of the amniotic procedure and prenatal care. Forgoing the use of a doppler ultrasonography before 17 weeks of gestation, maintaining clinical detachment when doing a sonogram, and restricting genetic counseling by excluding remote possibilities will help lessen the pregnant woman's anxiety.