No abstract

Fathers wanted to participate and be responsible from the beginning of pregnancy. Fathers' participation in pregnancy involves a wide range of activities and strategies both within the domestic and the professional care-giving sphere. Health care professional's approaches to the father-to-be can enhance or reduce experiences of inclusion in antenatal care.

BackgroundAn ultrasound examination is an important confirmation of the pregnancy and is accepted without reflection to any prenatal diagnostic aspects. An abnormal finding often comes unexpectedly and is a shock for the parents. The aim was to generate a theoretical understanding of parents' experiences of the situation when their fetus is found to have an abnormality at a routine ultrasound examination.MethodsSixteen parents, mothers and fathers, whose fetus had been diagnosed with an abnormality during an ultrasound scan in the second or third trimester, were interviewed. The study employed a grounded theory approach.ResultsThe core category vacillating between the emotional confusion and sense of reality is related to the main concern assessment of the diagnosis impact on the well-being of the fetus. Two other categories Entering uncertainty and Involved in an ongoing change and adaptation have each five sub-categories.ConclusionsParents are aware of that ultrasound examination is a tool for identifying abnormalities prenatally. The information about the abnormality initially results in broken expectations and anxiety. Parents become involved in ongoing change and adaptation. They need information about the ultrasound findings and the treatment without prolonged delay and in a suitable environment. The examiner who performs the ultrasound examination must be aware of how anxiety can be intensified by environmental factors. All parents should to be offered a professional person to give them support as a part of the routine management of this situation.

A prospective longitudinal investigation of spontaneous cephalic version from breech presentation in the last trimester is reported. All pregnancies were assessed with ultrasound in the 32nd week of gestation, and were thereafter checked weekly. Of the 3 I0 singleton breech presentations identified at 32 weeks, spontaneous cephalic version occurred in 177 (57%) while breech presentation persisted in 133 patients (43%). Of 140 patients with a breech presentation at delivery 95%) were already presenting by the breech in the 32nd week. Spontaneous cephalic version was less likely in pregnancies with extended fetal legs. low birthweight, short umbilical cord and primiparity.

Women and men are affected in their psychological well-being in relation to a routine ultrasound examination, but their sense of coherence remains stable.