Maternal reactions to two-dimensional compared to three-dimensional foetal ultrasonography

Abstract

Our objective was to quantitatively compare maternal reactions to viewing a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image of the foetal face to a traditional two-dimensional (2D) sonographic image. One hundred and twelve pregnant women were asked to evaluate their excitement, relief, amazement and satisfaction reactions to 2D and 3D ultrasound images of their foetus' face. A weighted kappa Cochran-Armitage trend test, Fisher exact test and generalised estimating equations were used to analyse the data obtained. 3D imaging was found to result in significantly more favourable reactions than 2D imaging of the foetal face. 3D imaging was significantly better than 2D in regard to the clearness of the image, feeling closer to the baby, experiencing amazement and recognising specific facial features. We hypothesised that 3D images might evoke more feelings of fear than 2D, but our analysis found there were no significant differences in this regard. 3D ultrasonography of the foetal face is well received by patients. It has been shown in this study to elicit stronger and more positive maternal reactions regarding excitement, amazement and satisfaction than experienced with 2D ultrasound.

Three‐dimensional ultrasound and maternal bonding, a third trimester study and a review

“…No additional effect of 3D and/or 4D on bonding was described. Four studies evaluated ‘feeling of closeness to the fetus’ or ‘relation towards the fetus’ that we considered as a measure of bonding . Three of these studies included the third trimester, and no additional effect of 3D and/or 4D on bonding was described .…”

“…Four studies evaluated ‘feeling of closeness to the fetus’ or ‘relation towards the fetus’ that we considered as a measure of bonding . Three of these studies included the third trimester, and no additional effect of 3D and/or 4D on bonding was described . Only one study found that mothers after 3D US at 28 weeks felt closer to the baby than after 2D US at 18 weeks …”

“…Ultrasound (US) is a unique way to catch a glimpse of the fetus, and three‐dimensional and four‐dimensional (3D/4D) US may convey a much more realistic impression of the US image because of the real‐life like images . Positive consequences of two‐dimensional (2D) US at 12 and 20 weeks on maternal–fetal bonding are well established especially before quickening .…”

“…Positive consequences of two‐dimensional (2D) US at 12 and 20 weeks on maternal–fetal bonding are well established especially before quickening . Studies of 3D/4D US and maternal bonding in the second trimester are published, but the effect of 3D/4D US in the third trimester, in spite of its increasing use, has not been studied extensively . Because the fetus in the third trimester looks more like a newborn baby, the impact of especially 3D/4D US images on the mother may be great.…”

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.…”