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.