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Pregnancy 2D Ultrasound Reduces Pregnancy Anxiety

Would 4D Scan Do Better?

It appears the standard 2D ultrasound in the first and second trimester goes some way to

reducing maternal anxiety. This is the outcome of a recent study published in Journal of

Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, March 2012.

Drs Da Silva and others assessed stress and anxiety levels in pregnant women during the first 6

months, using well established tools.

The study did not show any significant differences in stress levels between pregnant women and

those not pregnant. However there were significant anxiety differences between pregnant women

and those who are not.

Pregnant women exhibited reduced anxiety scores after ultrasound scan.

To read more about this study go to the abstract here:

Excerpts:

Stress and anxiety in pregnant women exposed to ultrasound

Authors: Da Silva, Elaine C. P.; Silva, Sônia V. L.; Damião, Rievani; Fonseca, Eduardo B.;

Garcia, Sidney; Lippi, Umberto G.

Source: Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Volume 25, Number 3, March 2012 , pp.

295-298(4)

Aim. To investigate the levels of anxiety and stress during pregnancy among women who are

routinely offered ultrasound at first and second trimesters.

Results. There was no statistical difference between pregnant and nonpregnant women [[56.8%%

(83/146) vs. 48.6%% (73/150), odds ratio (OR) 1.39 95%% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-2.19]]

regarding the level of stress.

Pregnant women had a higher level of anxiety compared with the nonpregnant (15.7%% vs. 2.6%%, P

== 0.0002) and ultrasound examination decreased the anxiety level.

Conclusion. Pregnant women did not have a higher level of stress compared with the nonpregnant

women, and maternal age is the only significant independent predictor of stress. Pregnant women

are more anxious, and after the ultrasound examination, the level of anxiety decreased.

The news that ultrasound reduces anxiety in pregnant women is not surprising. Moms’ anxieties

are related to their concerns about their pregnancy and the well-being of the unborn baby.

Ultrasound provides visible reassurance that all is well.

4D scanning is able to provide reassurance because of its realisting real time images and video,

showing the baby’s face and limbs. The power to display the baby to the parents, in real time,

must be very powerful.

4D baby scans are very popular for this reason. It is usually claimed that 4d scans help

maternal and family bonding. It would be an interesting study to evaluate maternal anxiety using

4D ultrasound.

Stress; anxiety; pregnancy; ultrasound

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