Routine prenatal ultrasonography: The pregnant woman’s expectations and perspectives on safety in a Central African obstetric population

摘要

Background: Pregnant women are important stakeholders regarding prenatal ultrasound (US) scanning. Their specific needs and preferences have to be ascertained by healthcare providers to ameliorate service delivery. Objective: To assess the pregnant woman’s expectations during routine prenatal US scan and her perspective ofUSsafety during pregnancy in a Central African obstetric population. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey of consenting pregnant women who reported for routine prenatal US scan using an anonymous questionnaire. A convenient sample of 200 participants was adopted. Results: Thirty-three (16.8%) respondents (on a total of 196) declared they had never done anUSscan. One hundred and eleven (58.4%) on a total of 190 stated that they had not received any information on what ultrasonography is all about. Before theUSscan the respondents would like to receive information on the aim or purpose of ultrasonography, possible inconveniences or risks, and on how to prepare before the scan. The most reported expectations were assurance of the wellbeing of the fetus (58%), gender determination (44.5%) and information on fetal position (20.5%). Thirty-four respondents considered ultrasonography as not perfectly safe for the mother or the “baby”, with the relevant reasons being the use or production of some potentially harmful “rays”. Conclusion: Pregnant women would want to be assured of the wellbeing of the fetus, the gender and position during routine prenatal US. They however need to be informed of its purpose and safety.