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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Ultrasound | Research article

Experiences of interactive ultrasound examination among women at risk of preterm birth: a qualitative study

Authors: Henrika Pulliainen, Hannakaisa Niela-Vilén, Eeva Ekholm, Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth are often stressed, anxious and depressed because of worries and fears related to the health of the unborn baby, their own health and uncertainty about the future. Only a few studies have assessed the types of psychological support that would relieve these stress symptoms among women with high-risk pregnancies. The aim of this study was to describe 1) how women at risk of preterm birth experienced an interactive 3/4-dimensional (3/4D) ultrasound examination, and 2) their need for psychological support during the antenatal period.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted at one university hospital in Finland in 2017. Women with a singleton pregnancy of 26–32 gestational weeks (gwks) were included in the study. The interactive 3/4D ultrasound included a joint observation of the baby, based on the mother’s wishes, with an obstetrician and psychologist. After the examination, the experiences were explored with a semi-structured interview. The data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The women enjoyed the fact that the staff were focused on her fetus and genuinely present during the session and also enabled the women to actively participate. Watching the baby and her/his activities made the baby more concrete and relieved their concerns. The need for additional psychological support varied individually.

Conclusions

Interactive ultrasound examination is an interesting way to awaken mental images, increase attachment, and reduce stress. The results imply that an interactive way of jointly looking at the fetus supports pregnant women at risk of preterm birth and may be useful in clinical practice.

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Title: Experiences of interactive ultrasound examination among women at risk of preterm birth: a qualitative study
Authors: Henrika Pulliainen
Hannakaisa Niela-Vilén
Eeva Ekholm
Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Ultrasound
Premature Birth
Ultrasound
Threatening Premature Labor
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2493-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Experiences of interactive ultrasound examination among women at risk of preterm birth: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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