Parental attitudes toward obstetric ultrasound examination.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of ultrasound examination on parental attitudes and anxieties.

Material And Method: Ultrasound examinations were carried out on 1,089 pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies at a mean gestational age of 20.9 weeks (minimum 10 weeks). Before and after the ultrasound examination, patients completed a questionnaire comprising 26 five-point numerical scales relating to anxiety levels, and difference scores for pre- and post-scan levels of fears and anxieties were computed.

Results: We showed that the reduction of anxiety following ultrasound examination was inversely related to gestational age, but was unrelated to demographic or medical variables, such as the risk level at the time of the scan. Similarly, anxiety was not reduced because of the presence of the spouse, although the spouse's presence did significantly increase inter-partner bonding.

Conclusion: This study showed that "routine" ultrasound scan may have significant psychological effects on parental attitudes toward each other and the fetus.