Understanding the effects of obstetrical ultrasound
File(s)
Date
1999Author
Durbin, Sharon A.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin--Stout
Advisor(s)
Zimmerman, Karen
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Ultrasound has revolutionized the practice of obstetrics and significantly influenced the way society regards the fetus in utero. This study views the value of the obstetrical ultrasound in terms of human phenomenon. It questions whether neonatal outcome is improved by ultrasound as a means of maternal-fetal bonding. It speculates whether the bond formed is strong enough to influence maternal health behaviors, particularly nutrition, smoking and alcohol consumption. The research occurred in July/August of 1999 in the Midwestern United States, using a convenience sample from Women’s Health Clinic. The sample involved 61 subjects receiving an obstetrical ultrasound during the 18 – 22 week gestation of pregnancy. The data was analyzed and statistical analysis was by paired Student t- test with p <0.05 being considered significant. An observational component looked at such physical reactions as facial expression, movement, ideas, verbal reactions and their relationship to maternal feelings. Analyzing maternal-fetal bonding and the obstetrical ultrasound, evidence from this study supports the theory that these two variables are directly related. Looking at the mean scores of all of the subscales of the Cranley Maternal –Fetal Attachment Scale, the results showed an increase in all but one subscale, attributing to fetus, which is a category related to later gestational ages. The subscales of role-taking, differentiation of self from fetus, giving of self, and interaction with fetus, all increased their mean scores from the pre-test to the post-test. This is indicative of behaviors that represent a connection and interaction between mother and fetus. Mothers demonstrated a higher level of attachment to their fetus following the obstetrical ultrasound. Variables were further categorized in relation to gravida, maternal age, marital status, education, and income. Maternal-fetal attachment scores showed significant difference at the .05 level in regards to age, with younger mothers showing higher attachment. Married mothers were significantly different in maternal-fetal attachment as compared to single moms in total MFA score. Education did not appear to be significant to bonding, while income did have an impact in the areas of roletaking and differentiation of self from fetus. Additionally, observational evidence is in definite support of maternal-fetal bonding. Maternal-fetal attachment has been shown to alter maternal life-style and behaviors thus proving beneficial to the fetus. Quantitative data in relation to nutrition showed a convincing and significant correlation with ultrasound and overall maternal behavior changes. Nutritional status showed an increase in the number of fruits and vegetables, an increase in milk products consumed, along with an increase in the number of mothers starting the day with breakfast. The Health Habit Questionnaire showed a small significance in relation to nutritional status when the subjects were divided by age with the younger group (<29 years old) appearing to eat fewer servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as fewer servings of meat and fish or alternatives than Group 2 (30 or older.) Improved nutritional habits were noted in the married respondents and those of higher socioeconomic status. The Health Habit Questionnaire showed significant results in relation to annual gross income. Mean scores were higher on the questions relating to percentage of nutrition, number of servings of milk, fruits and vegetables, cereals and breads and the amount of fish/meat/alternatives. Level of education of the respondent appeared to only have limited significance in the nutritional status. Subjects that consumed alcohol or smoked were not well represented. Overall, it did appear to alter the number of smokers on a finite basis, while those subjects consuming alcohol were in inadequate numbers to draw any conclusions. The study serves to raise the ultrasound community’s consciousness to the importance of the psychological effects of the obstetrical ultrasound.
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http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/39207Description
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