Two‐dimensional vs. two‐ plus four‐dimensional ultrasound in pregnancy and the effect on maternal emotional status: a randomized study

Abstract

Objective To assess whether the addition of fourdimensional (4D) ultrasound to a conventional twodimensional (2D)

Women's Responses to Ultrasound Examinations During Routine Screens in an Obstetric Clinic

“…4,7,8 Ultrasound examinations are welcomed by most women and contribute to maternal "personification" of the fetus. 9 Prenatal interventions, especially ultrasound examinations, in pregnancies in which there is high psychosocial risk and active substance abuse have the potential to increase maternal-fetal attachment and reduce the risk of behaviors that may harm the fetus and compromise the health status of the pregnancy.…”

“…10 Research on the conduct of a scan includes determining how the amount of feedback during the ultrasound examination session contributes to effectiveness 4,11 ; avoiding "slips of the tongue" 4 ; using language that is simple and T Article appropriate; viewing the examination in real time 12 ; being able to view the fetus' face, limbs, and trunk 13 ; confirming maternal recognition of structures and identification of fetal features 14 ; using 2-or 3-/4-dimensional sonography with a clear picture 5 ; providing a session of adequate length 14,15 ; providing interpretation of fetal physical behavior 5,16 ; giving the mother an opportunity to interact 17 ; allowing the mother to self-initiate behavior 17 ; "debriefing" the session; and sharing the scan with family and friends either directly or with photographs or videos/DVDs. 5,8 In previous work, the reliability and validity of the ultrasound consultation method have been established, showing higher maternal-fetal attachment scores 18 and lower state anxiety measures 19 after the consultation. To our knowledge, no published studies to date have provided a controlled comparison between a routine ultrasound examination and an enhanced ultrasound examination provided in the context of a routine screen.…”

Prenatal Examinations for Down Syndrome and Possible Effects on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

“…According to a meta-analysis of the effects of ultrasound examination on maternal-fetal attachment, the attachment increased to some extent (Yercheski et al, 2008). Several studies of the effects of 3 D-or 4 D ultrasound have not proved any improved attachment compared to 2 D ultrasound (Righetti et al, 2005;Rustico et al, 2005, Sedgmen et al, 2005, but may cause a positive change in the parents-to-be's feelings for the fetus (Pretorius et al, 2006). The attachment seems to increase and the worry about the health of the fetus decrease when the ultrasound examination is combined with a discussion with a health care professional.…”

The moving face of the fetus–the changing face of medicine

“…There is no clear answer to the debate on the non-medical use of ultrasound, and very recently, two preliminary studies 13,14 have suggested that the addition of 4D compared with conventional 2D ultrasound does not change significantly the perception that people have of their baby or their antenatal emotional attachment. We feel that it is important to point out that boutique fetal imaging has crept into medicine without any adequate informed debate within society, and without medical regulation.…”