Perceptions and practices of antenatal women regarding ultrasounds in pregnancy at a rural maternity hospital, Ramnagara district, Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: With the wide availability and use of Ultrasonography (USG), the expectation of pregnant women towards USG or “scan” has dramatically increased but the actual knowledge regarding its use and its applications are lacking in them. Objective: To assess perceptions and practices of antenatal women about USG in pregnancy in a rural maternity hospital, South Karnataka. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at a rural maternity hospital in Solur taluk of Ramnagara District, Karnataka. Antenatal women attending the outpatient services were selected by convenience sampling and administered a face-validated interview schedule. Results: Mean age of the 280 antenatal women interviewed was 23.66±3.39 years. 73.9% women had heard about USG prior to their pregnancy. All women felt that USG is important in pregnancy and 78.9% felt that a second trimester USG was the most important. Only 33.6% of women could name any three benefits of USG in pregnancy.  Most women (97.5%) felt that USG is safe for the fetus. 98.5% women had done a scan in current pregnancy. The doctor had explained the need for scan and explained the results to 58.2% antenatal women. The number of scans per woman ranged from 1 to 7 in the current pregnancy and among them, majority (34%) had three scans. Only 0.7% of women felt that unnecessary USGs were being done. Conclusion: The perceptions and practices among the antenatal women were positive, but the women lacked awareness regarding the benefits of USG. The study identified a need for communication between the doctor and the antenatal women regarding the purpose of USG and discussion of the findings of USG with the mother.