The importance of ultrasound to first-time mothers’ thoughts about their unborn child

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of ultrasound to women's thoughts about their unborn child. Ten primigravidae were interviewed approximately 1 week before and 1 week after their first ultrasound screening. Analysis of the interviews was conducted using the techniques of grounded theory. The results showed that ultrasound was of great importance for increasing the women's awareness of bearing a child. This realization process was expressed in various categories of thoughts about the unborn child: (1) the existing foetus, (2) the coming child, (3) the woman's life situation, (4) parenthood and (5) delivery. The paper examines the way in which ultrasound influences these categories of thought.

Routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy: a world of possibilities

“…Here the ultrasound scan represented an opportunity to get to know the baby better and to get an idea of what kind of personality the baby might have. Although an ultrasound examination can result in women thinking more of their baby and experiencing stronger feelings (Black, 1992;Dykes & Stjernqvist, 2001), it may result in feelings of guilt as well, as shown by the present study. One woman described herself during the upcoming meeting as an intruder, as the baby would not be able to respond.…”

“…Dykes and Stjernqvist (2001) have shown the impact of ultrasound on women´s thoughts about their unborn child and how it increased their awareness of them carrying a child. Ekelin et al (2004) describe the importance of the examination for parents-to-be as confirmation of a new life.…”

A qualitative study of mothers’ and fathers’ experiences of routine ultrasound examination in Sweden

“…Caregivers might have to alter their information routines, as no parents in the current study mentioned that they had known about this possibility. Dykes and Stjernqvist (2001) 21 believed that a part of the women's anxiety before the scan is due to the possibility of having to make a difficult decision if the fetus should be malformed. Parents referred to advice from experts who thereby indirectly may exert influence on these difficult decisions.…”

The role of maternal prenatal attachment in a woman's experience of pregnancy and implications for the process of care

“…Using grounded theory Dykes and Stjernquist (2001) found a shift in the mother's awareness of the foetus after the ultrasound. Categories that arose included: the existing foetus; the coming child; the woman's life situation; parenthood; and the delivery.…”