A team of researchers from the Erikson Institute in Chicago has revealed that the Antenatal ultrasound examinations may possibly enhance maternal-fetal attachment and lessen maternal anxiety.



According to researchers writing in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, “The primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of prenatal ultrasound consultation on maternal-fetal attachment, knowledge of fetal behavior, and development and reduction of anxiety in pregnant women scheduled for routine ultrasound screens.”

“A standard depression screen was also used to evaluate depression levels of women undergoing these screens in the sonography clinic,” explained C.F. Boukydis and colleagues from the Erikson Institute in Chicago. “To evaluate the impact of an ultrasound consultation, the following were undertaken:

1) A preliminary observational study of routine screens in the sonography clinic was performed.



2) An ultrasound consultation manual was developed and established as reliable.



3) Women undergoing evaluations between 16 and 26 weeks’ gestational age were randomly assigned to a standard care group or an ultrasound consultation group.



Thanks: C.F. Boukydis



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