Objective: We tested whether mothers of neonates with Down syndrome (DS) prefer to get the diagnosis after delivery in a one-step approach or in a two-step one (information about suggestive findings, followed by additional explicit meeting).
Methods: Mothers were asked whether (1) they had been informed in one or two steps; (2) they would have preferred the other approach.
Results: Of 45 women who completed the questionnaires, 18 (40%) had been informed in a one step and 27 (60%) in two steps. Thirteen of the 18 mothers (72.2%) informed in one step were satisfied with the manner they had been informed, while 19 (70.4%) in the two-step group expressed satisfaction.
Conclusion: Mothers were generally satisfied with the method chosen with them. We speculate that an adaptive, supportive, empathic, caring and honest approach, taking into consideration family cultural and religious backgrounds may be able to optimize the delivery of such news.