[Sonography in early pregnancy from the viewpoint of the pregnant patient]

Psychological effects of an ultrasound exam in early pregnancy were assessed on 59 women (33 primiparae, 26 multiparae). The subjects were between their 12 to 18th week of pregnancy and did not have a prior ultrasound exam in the present pregnancy. Ultrasound was performed under high feedback conditions explaining the image on the screen thoroughly. After the exam patients rated the method and the emotions accompanying it on polarity profiles. Ultrasound as a method was evaluated highly positive with only very few deviant opinions. The emotions raised by it did vary considerably, however, despite the basically positive attitude. Of the 59 women interviewed, 53 and 52, resp., agreed with the statement, that they could gain a clearer image of the baby and of their own body.