Women's perceptions and experiences of a routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research study is to explore the perceptions and experiences of prenatal routine ultrasound examination of eight pregnant women using a qualitative approach. The study explores and examines the effects of the examination on varies factors, namely; women's attitudes and feelings towards ultrasound, women's anxiety levels, maternal-fetal attachment, women's attitudes towards pregnancy and maternal health behavior. Another purpose of the study is to address the receipt of information conveyed to women during the examination and their interaction with the midwife/sonographer. Content analysis of the participants' responses to a semi-structured interview, reveal that women view the examination as an integral part of their pregnancy. The visualization of the fetus is a major source of pleasure and a source of reassurance, bringing about the realization of pregnancy to women. This study will hopefully lead the way so that similar local studies would be undertaken on a larger scale.