[Psychological aspects of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy].

The acceptability of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy has been documented in many studies. Yet there is little empirical evidence for the postulated psychological benefits of ultrasound examinations. Although seeing the baby is most often rated as a moving experience, there are no proven long-term effects of ultrasound visualization on bonding with the fetus or on pregnant women's health-related maternal behaviour. There is evidence to support the notion that attenuated anxiety and stress immediately following the examination are likely artefactual - a reflection of increased anxiety before real-time scan. Review of the literature indicates no evidence as to whether antenatal detection of fetal abnormalities leads to improvement in coping or only prolongs the phase of psychological stress and mourning. This articles provides an overview of current research on psychological effects of prenatal ultrasound examination. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel