Preexamination and Postexamination Assessment of Parental-Fetal Bonding in Patients Undergoing 3-/4-Dimensional Obstetric Ultrasonography

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a change in parental bonding and couples' attitudes toward their fetus after undergoing 3-/4-dimensional ultrasonography (3D/4DUS). Methods. Sixty-five fathers and 124 mothers were asked to fill out a maternal-fetal attachment questionnaire relating to how they felt about their fetus before and after 3D/4DUS and to mark on a line indicating their feelings about the ultrasonography experience. In addition, 135 parents filled out a positive feelings questionnaire consisting of 5 sections assessing their feelings about the fetus. The 3D/4DUS examination included rendering of the fetal face, limbs, and thorax. Results. One hundred forty-two patients filled out all questions and were analyzed for the total attachment score. The difference of the total score for the maternal-fetal attachment questionnaire before and after 3D/4DUS had a z value of 5.6 for all patients and was statistically significant (P < .0001). In analyzing each question, 5 were found to have a statistically significantly different score for women, but only 2 were found so for men. The scores for the line, before and after 3D/4DUS, showed a significant difference for men but not women. The women studied did not show a change using this instrument because their median response was at the maximum measurement before their sonograms. The positive feelings questionnaire showed a statistically significant change for women in all sections but for men in only 2. Conclusions. Parents have a change in attitude regarding their fetus after undergoing 3D/4DUS. Mothers showed an increase in bonding to their fetus after 3D/4DUS in more categories than fathers.

Impact parental de l’échographie 3D/4D des fentes labiopalatines

“…Plusieurs études ont rapporté un bénéfice significatif de l'échographie 3D dans la mise en place de la relation mère-enfant en cours de grossesse [4][5][6][7][8][9]. La plupart conclut que l'échographie 3D, grâce à la proximité de son rendu visuel avec la réalité, est plus à même de permettre le développement de cette relation.…”

“…En dehors de toute pathologie, la proximité des images échographiques 3D avec la réalité a conduit plusieurs auteurs à s'interroger sur l'impact psychologique de cet examen et sur son bénéfice potentiel dans la mise en place de la relation mère-enfant [7][8][9][10][11][12]. Ces études rapportent toutes une mise en place plus précoce et plus intense de cette relation grâce à cette prise en charge 3D.…”

3D/4D Ultrasound in Prenatal Diagnosis

“…31 Several publications have stressed the importance of 3D/4D US in increasing maternal-fetal bonding and even helping in reducing potentially harmful behavior, such as smoking during pregnancy. 34,35 However, others have stated that when comparing 3D/4D with traditional 2D, recognition of fetal anatomy by the mothers-to-be was, indeed, improved but bonding was not better, 36,37 and there was no benefit in terms of anxiety reduction in pregnancies at risk of fetal abnormalities. 38 In addition, even assuming an improvement in maternal-fetal bonding, there are no studies showing benefits to the fetus.…”

Prenatal ultrasonography: Implications for pediatric urology

“…A number of commercial businesses in the United States have appeared in the last few years providing ultrasound services for the purpose of 'fetal photography'. Some studies have demonstrated that 3-d and 4-d ultrasound images may actually enhance maternalefetal bonding [8], yet both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine have discouraged the use of non-medical ultrasonography for entertainment purposes [9,10].…”