Materials and Methods
Data were obtained from the medical information system and through telephone follow-up of pregnant women who visited the “Fetal Life Cycle Clinic” at Guangdong Women and Children Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023. Data on maternal age, diagnostic gestational age, fetal anomaly type (single or multiple abnormalities), treatment recommendation, number of births, history of abortion, history of fetal abnormalities, mode of conception, complication of pregnancy, degree of education, employment, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Pregnant women were included if they were diagnosed with fetal abnormalities by any of the following methods: fetal nuchal translucency value measurement, B-ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, non-invasive DNA testing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, amniocentesis, or genetic testing. Pregnant women were excluded if they declined follow-up or lacked complete information.

There are 13 major types of fetal abnormalities: abnormalities of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, anterior abdominal wall, facial abnormalities, fetal tumors, fetal edema, reproductive system, genetic/chromosomal abnormalities, and viral infections. According to the number of organs involved, fetal abnormalities are classified as single or multiple abnormalities ( Li & Luo, 2018 ).

Pregnancy outcomes included delivery and termination of pregnancy (TOP) (induced labor or fetal reduction). In this study, labor was defined as a woman’s decision to carry the pregnancy to its completion and deliver the fetus. Induction of labor is defined as the voluntary decision of pregnant women and their families to undergo therapeutic TOP after receiving genetic counseling and providing informed consent. Fetal reduction is defined as the termination of fetal development due to dysplasia, malformation, or multiple pregnancies to ensure normal survival and development of a healthy fetus. In this study, both induction of labor and fetal reduction were classified as termination of pregnancy (TOP).

Descriptive analysis was used to assess the general characteristics of the pregnant women with fetal abnormalities. Quantitative data conforming to a normal distribution were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical data were presented as constituent ratio or rate (%), and the chi-square test or univariate analysis was used for comparison between groups. Variables with statistical significance in the chi-square test or single-factor analysis were selected as the initial tiers of the candidate variables. Considering that in single-factor analysis, differences between the results could not truly reflect the effect of this factor on the outcome event, logistic regression was adopted to adjust and correct confounding factors; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Guangdong Women and Children’s Hospital (approval number: 202301125). Data were obtained through a review of outpatient case records and telephone follow-up. Considering that the patients came from all over the country, it was difficult for them to sign the informed consent form face-to-face. Therefore, to save on travel costs and time for patients, we utilized a pre-made article informed consent form during the telephone follow-up and explained the background, purpose, and significance of the study along with their rights and interests in the study. Subsequently, the patients could decide orally whether to participate in the study and withdraw from the study at any time.