Objective: to conceptualise mothers' and fathers' thoughts and feelings before, during and after the routine ultrasound examination during the second trimester of pregnancy.Design, setting and participants: a grounded theory study. Two to four weeks after their ultrasound examination 22 Swedish mothers and 22 fathers were interviewed in their homes.

The aim of the study was to gain a theoretical understanding of parents' experiences and handling of the situation, when their foetus was diagnosed as having choroid plexus cysts, at a routine second trimester ultrasound examination. Nine couples and one mother were interviewed using one open question. Analysis method was Grounded Theory. The main concern was anxiety and the core category became need for knowledge. The other categories were frightening and confusing, judging risk and making a choice and comforting. The parents felt information during the ultrasound examination was insufficient. The time delay between the diagnosis and the doctor's appointment was also often criticized. Most of the parents in this study wanted to know what can be diagnosed by ultrasound, even if there is a small risk that the child will have a malformation or chromosome abnormality. However, when the diagnosis is made, they need adequate information, otherwise unnecessary anxiety arises. By giving sufficient information without days of delay, anxiety can hopefully be minimized. Some written information was also requested. It is of utmost importance that the staff use the same terminology and the correct name of the soft marker to the parents.

No abstract

In order to investigate midwives' views and experiences of working at birth centres a qualitative interview study was performed at three birth centres in the UK. Nine midwives were recruited for personal interviews via snowball sampling. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken with the identification of categories and themes. Autonomy of practice emerged as the main category with five subcategories: midwifery aspects, professional development, flexibility and work demand, independence and interprofessional relationships. The main outcome of this study was the autonomy the midwives felt by practising and promoting normal midwifery care. Many midwives also expressed a feeling of increased confidence and professional development by working in a birth centre. Experiences of flexibility and work–life balance were generally positive. Continuity of care was much appreciated. Negative aspects were mainly associated with high work pressure, staff shortages and at times a demanding work environment. The different localizations of the birth centres had both advantages and disadvantages.

Satisfaction with care was shown. A discussion about the implication of informed choice with both staff and mothers are needed. Sharper implementation of the diabetes-care-chain was also an area for improvement.