# Understanding Pregnant Women's Perceptions of Prenatal Ultrasound Exams

## Metadata
- Content type: Blog
- Canonical URL: https://123sonography.com/blog/news/understanding-pregnant-womens-perceptions-prenatal-ultrasound-exams
- Published: April 21, 2023
- Last updated: April 25, 2023

## Overview
We will be discussing a recent study on routine prenatal screening ultrasounds and women's views on the ultrasound experience and its informational and emotional value.

## Snapshot
- Category: News

## Content
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In this blog post, we will be discussing a recent study\* on routine **prenatal screening** ultrasounds and **women's views on the ultrasound experience and its informational and emotional value:**

The questionnaire study surveyed 289 patients presenting for scheduled prenatal ultrasounds at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. The questionnaires included both discrete and open-ended questions.

![Illustration of pregnant woman with doctor.](https://123sonography.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_image/public/image1.png?itok=-rtHUN37) The study found that almost all women (95%) desired information about abnormal sonographic findings, although only half would consider pregnancy termination for anomalies. Three major reasons emerged for wanting the return of abnormal results:

- valuing knowledge
- preparedness
- decision-making

Valuing knowledge was an important reason women wanted to be informed of all ultrasound findings. Preparedness was also an important factor for many women. Some wrote about preparing emotionally, while others focused on logistical preparation.

Decision-making was less commonly discussed, but some women wrote about the utility of this information in informing their choices of medical care, such as pursuing a possible intervention.

The study highlights the participants' perceptions of prenatal ultrasounds as a valuable source of information and preparedness beyond their role in clinical decision-making.

![Illustration of pregnant woman getting an ultrasound scan from doctor.](https://123sonography.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_image/public/image2-transparent.png?itok=BC0ZknG1) In conclusion, prenatal ultrasound screening remains one of the most critical clinical tools in prenatal care. It provides essential information on fetal development and can help identify potential issues that require further investigation or intervention. However, it is critical to recognize that the decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy is deeply personal and depends on various factors, including cultural, religious, and moral beliefs. As such, healthcare providers must approach the subject of pregnancy termination with sensitivity and respect for the patient's autonomy and provide non-judgmental counseling tailored to individual needs and values.

## What’s the take-home message?

We should all try to adopt a patient-centered approach in prenatal ultrasound screening! This approach involves active listening, acknowledging and addressing patients' concerns, and providing information tailored to their needs.

![Illustration of doctor with some prenatal machines around.](https://123sonography.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_image/public/image/images/image3.jpeg?itok=kpgwDGUS) Are you interested in learning more about prenatal ultrasound? Then our [OB/GYN Ultrasound BachelorClass](https://123sonography.com/course/obgynbachelorclass) is the perfect fit for you! You will learn how to assess women during pregnancy including first-, second- and third-trimester screening, as well as get to know relevant and common fetal abnormalities that you may find in those screenings. Additionally, the course covers the broad topic of gynecology. Are you interested? Then sign up for the free lectures of our OB/GYN Ultrasound BachelorClass now!

[ Sign up here](https://123sonography.com/overlay/forms/obgyn_bc/18487) ***\*Original study:** Kelly-Hedrick M, Geller G, Jelin AC, Gross MS. Perceived Value of Prenatal Ultrasound Screening: A Survey of Pregnant Women. Matern Child Health J. 2023 Jan;27(1):101-110. doi: 10.1007/s10995-022-03515-1. Epub 2022 Nov 9. PMID: 36352278; PMCID: PMC9868096.*

**Best regards,**

**Sophie Wieser and the 123sonography team**