Objectives

To explore the views of parents with previous experience of fetal anomalies towards the introduction of routine fetal anomaly screening at the 11–14 week scan in the UK.

Methods

Parents with a previous screen positive result following anomaly screening in pregnancy or an affected child were eligible to participate. Participants were recruited via two national charities: Antenatal Results and Choices and SHINE (Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida). Parents received a briefing guide explaining the potential benefits and risks of anomaly screening at 11–14 weeks and were asked their views regarding screening for anomalies of varying severity and termination of pregnancy (TOP).

Results

100 parents participated anonymously online. In a future pregnancy, 95% would consent to an 11–14 week anomaly scan. Parental attitudes towards TOP did not impact this result. Reasons for accepting the scan included a desire for early reassurance (75%), earlier access to genetic testing (71%), additional time to consider TOP (60%) and earlier TOP if required (72%). Reasons for declining included increased anxiety in the case of an inconclusive result (100%). 99% of parents prefer lethal and severe anomalies to be diagnosed at 11–14 weeks; 82% for minor conditions; and 81% if their baby has a suspected anomaly which cannot be confirmed until a later gestation. 50% of parents believe that the timing of the diagnosis (11–14 weeks vs.18-20 weeks) would have no impact on their decision regarding TOP. Parents considering TOP for a severe or lethal anomaly were more likely to seek early information on minor fetal anomalies compared with those not considering TOP (P = 0.01). Maternal age, parity, education and current pregnancy had no significant impact on results.

Conclusions

In a national sample of parents in the UK with personal experiences of fetal anomalies in pregnancy, the majority favour the introduction of an 11–14 week anomaly scan in addition to the 18–20 week anomaly scan currently offered by the National Health Service.