Comparison of perinatal grief after dilation and evacuation or labor induction in second trimester terminations for fetal anomalies

Objective

This study was undertaken to compare grief resolution after dilation and evacuation (D&E) or induction of labor (IOL) for second-trimester pregnancy termination.

Study design

A prospective cohort of 49 women choosing second-trimester abortion caused by fetal anomalies by either medical IOL or D&E. Depression was evaluated by using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and bereavement was assessed by using the Perinatal Grief Scale with follow-up to 12 months after pregnancy termination. Data were analyzed with χ² tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and independent and paired sample t tests.

Results

There was no significant difference in depression incidence on enrollment (61.9% D&E, 53.8% IOL, P=.579), at 4 months (23.5% D&E, 14.3% IOL, P=.252) or 12 months (27.3% D&E, 20.0% IOL, P=.696) or on the PGS at 4 months (74.1 vs 90.2, P=.351) or 12 months (73.3 vs 86.4, P=.658).

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in grief resolution among women who terminate a desired pregnancy by either medical or surgical abortion.

Key words: Perinatal loss, Stillbirth, Fetal anomalies, Second-trimester abortion, Labor induction