Communication in early pregnancy ultrasound: avoiding misunderstandings

Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2012 Aug;73(8):447-50. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2012.73.8.447.

Abstract

Pregnant women in the UK are usually offered at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. While these almost certainly cause no physical harm to the baby, communicating the findings to the parents, whether there is a problem or not, carries real potential for confusion, worry and perhaps unnecessary intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal