Ultrasound scanning in pregnancy: The short-term psychological effects of early real-time scans

Parental Artistic Drawings of the Fetus Before and After 3-/4-Dimensional Ultrasonography

“…Research into the impact of 2DUS on pregnant women has indicated an increasing health awareness on the part of mothers, an ability to reduce anxiety associated with pregnancy, and an enhancement of the parental-fetal bond, all of which indicate positive changes in the attitudes of expecting parents. [8][9][10][11][12] In a study of 370 pregnant women who were asked for reasons for requesting prenatal ultrasonographic examinations in the absence of clinical indications, Gudex et al 15 reported that 60% of the women wanted it to …”

“…Early reports also suggested that 2-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) had an impact on parents. [8][9][10][11][12] Drawings have been used in other areas of medicine to assess child development. Stein 13,14 reported on the benefits of using drawings to survey development of children at a given moment in time as well as longitudinally.…”

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“…Confirmation of a 'normal' pregnancy is a positive diagnosis with considerable emotional impact 5,13,14 . Such a diagnosis reinforces for parents the transformation from 'being pregnant' to 'having a baby' 3,15,16 .…”

“…In tandem with these advances have come increased clarity and definition of fetal limbs, features, movements, and heart beat. Ultrasound scanning is also known to have psychological effects due to its vivid imagery [3][4][5][6] . According to , ultrasound presents an opportunity for the parents to see, attend to, and be reminded of, specific features of their commitment to the pregnancy and may reassure women during this time of uncertainty by making their commitment more tangible and concrete.…”

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“…The problem, of course, is the question of increased ultrasound exposure and I realize that my practice puts me into potential conflict with the Safety Statement issued by the ISUOG Bioeffects and Safety Committee in this issue 11 . There is evidence from randomized studies that ultrasound examination enhances maternal-fetal bonding, at least in the short term 12 , and there is some evidence of added value with 3D scanning 13 . This therapeutic aspect of scanning for pleasure may at least help us to respond to the general disapproving attitude of official bodies to the practice of allowing parents to enjoy looking at their baby.…”