Women's experiences of monitoring the small-for-gestational age fetus by ultrasound: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore experiences among pregnant women diagnosed with a small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetus, and monitored by frequent ultrasounds.

Methods

We performed a qualitative study at the outpatient clinic of the Gynecology and Obstetrics department of a large academic hospital in Amsterdam. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen women, diagnosed with an SGA fetus during their pregnancy and having had at least two monitoring ultrasounds since. Themes were identified following analysis of the interview transcripts.

Results

Most women experienced the frequent ultrasounds as a source of support providing comfort and a feeling of safety. It was considered necessary, in the best interest of the baby, which outweighed the discomfort caused by having

SUBMITTER: Vollgraff Heidweiller-Schreurs CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6493740 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature