“You can see your future”: Ultrasound and the pregnancy experience
Abstract
Using a qualitative approach, this study seeks to explore the manner in which ultrasound shapes the following processes of pregnancy: (1) worry and anxiety, (2) acceptance of the pregnancy as real, and (3) family building. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 pregnant women. Data analysis followed the principles of the grounded theory approach. Findings of the study indicate that ultrasound increases and decreases worry and anxiety, facilitates acceptance of the pregnancy as real, and increases feelings of attachment. It also serves as a family building technology by providing opportunities to involve others in the pregnancy, introduce the fetus as a member of the family before birth, and create and build positions and roles in relation to the fetus. Learning and disclosing the sex of the fetus also shaped the processes of pregnancy. Four cross-cutting themes (experiencing medicalization, taking control, marking time, and building positions and roles) are used to discuss the findings. In addition, the findings are discussed with regard to their implications for policy and practice.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Roy, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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