Choice of a scan: how much info do women receive before ultrasound

It was found that the minority of units in this sample gave comprehensive, unbiased, information to aid women in their choice of whether or not to undergo ultrasound in pregnancy.

Abstract

In order to discover the amount of information given to women so that they can make a choice as to whether to have a scan or not, a questionnaire was sent to 100 maternity units. Ninety-four units responded; out of these a subsample of 45 were sent a further, more detailed questionnaire. Analysis of the results revealed that 48% of the initial sample units gave information to women of the scan's potential to detect anomalies; of these only 26% gave the information before the first scan. Eighty-three per cent of the midwives asked knew that anomalies can be detected at any scan. The value of scanning as a screening procedure was only discussed with women in 10 units in this sample, 83% of the midwives seemingly confused about its use in this respect. It was found therefore that the minority of units in this sample gave comprehensive, unbiased, information to aid women in their choice of whether or not to undergo ultrasound in pregnancy.