Unveiling the secrets of a fetus: pregnant womens experiences related to ultrasound exams in prenatal care / Desvelando os segredos do feto: experiências de mulheres grávidas submetidas ao ultra-som obstétrico

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

Introduction Obstetric ultrasound exams are part of prenatal care, and offer results that can change the outcome of pregnancy considerably. Despite the widespread use, and constant up-dating of this technology, emotional aspects of future mothers remain to a great extent yet to be researched. Aim Investigate how pregnant women experience this exam, the relationship that they maintain with the health team in this medical context, and their opinions about possible risks associated to the procedure. Methods Qualitative inspecting research, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with open questions. The data was collected only after the approval from the Ethical Committee, and following the womens informed consent. The subjects in the study are 20 first-time mothers under care at a health center in the city of São Paulo. The material was transcribed, subsequently analyzed. Results Ultrasound was described by the interviewees in a polysemic way, and was influenced by social, medical, psychological, religious, ethical, and moral factors. The procedure was described as pleasant, but the women felt it could also involve potential risks, such as technical failure, and the detection of malformations in the fetus. The relationship with the health team throughout the investigation, especially the ultrasonographist, was fescribed as a fundamental element for the quality of the exam. It could be noted that this exam can cause anxiety in the expectant mothers, which, in turn, can lead them to submit themselves to other medical procedures in their search for reassurance. Conclusion An ultrasound exam can change the pathway of pregnancy. The women investigated know about the diagnostic function of the procedure, and often resort to new screening tests to verify their babys health conditions. The effects of such tests may be harmful for women. The health team needs to be aware of this potential damage in order to discuss the exam in realistic terms with the women and their family so they know what the exam can and cannot really achieve, that is, the function and possibilities of this technological tool.

ASSUNTO(S)

gravidez pregnancy psicologia ultrasound prenatal care and public health psychology ultrassom pré-natal e saúde pública

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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