The techniques of prenatal genetic diagnosis are being used with incre
asing frequency in the provision of prenatal care. One aim of such tes
ting is to benefit pregnant women. Inadequate data exist, however, to
indicate whether testing provides benefits for or imposes burdens upon
the women involved. The influence of testing on anxiety during pregna
ncy, on a woman's sense of control over the progress and outcome of pr
egnancy, and on a woman's relationships with her partner and future ch
ild are all of concern. Investigation of these questions should be int
egral to studies undertaken to assess prenatal genetic testing.