Antenatal attendance and screening for neural tube defects.

An analysis of factors influencing the time of booking at seven hospital antenatal clinics in one Health Authority Area showed that only 52.5 per cent of patients booked before 16 weeks gestation and 78.9 per cent before 19 weeks gestation. The principle reasons for late booking were delay in the patient seeking medical advice and delay in referral to hospital by the general practitioner (GP) after pregnancy was confirmed. Possibilities for improving early attendance and hence implementing an effective screening programme for the detection of neural tube defects are discussed.