The impact of abnormal fetal echocardiography on expectant parents' experience of pregnancy: a pilot study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2003 Jun;24(2):121-9
Date
07/12/2003Pubmed ID
12854396DOI
10.3109/01674820309042809Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0038208309 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 44 CitationsAbstract
To examine the impact of an abnormal fetal echocardiogram (echo) on parental attitudes, emotions and coping strategies. Group interviews were performed for women and their male partners who had a fetal echo and were found to have a fetal congenital heart defect. The women and men were separated into four different focus groups. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed and analyzed. The women expressed strong emotions of guilt, fear and sadness or hopelessness. They coped by attaching and bonding to the fetus, and were realistic about the future. The women began grieving at the time of the fetal echo. The men experienced emotions of anger and anxiety. They coped by remaining optimistic, and focused on supporting their wives. Men grieved after the birth of the baby. The fetal echo was felt to be beneficial and not harmful by the parents. The fetal echo led to significant changes in the couples' perceptions of themselves and their relationships. Clinicians performing fetal imaging must be aware of parental affective responses and coping mechanisms in order to provide the required psychological support.
Author List
Leuthner SR, Bolger M, Frommelt M, Nelson RAuthor
Steven R. Leuthner MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adaptation, PsychologicalAdult
Anger
Anxiety
Echocardiography, Doppler
Fear
Female
Gestational Age
Guilt
Heart Defects, Congenital
Heart Rate, Fetal
Humans
Male
Parents
Pilot Projects
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
