Three-dimensional ultrasound and maternal bonding, a third trimester study and a review

• Published in: Prenatal diagnosis Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 81 - 88
• Main Authors: de Jong-Pleij, E. A. P., Ribbert, L. S. M., Pistorius, L. R., Tromp, E., Mulder, E. J. H., Bilardo, C. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-01-2013; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Anxiety; Educational Status; Face - diagnostic imaging; Face - embryology; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - psychology; Maternal-Fetal Relations - psychology; Object Attachment; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - psychology
• ISSN: 0197-3851; 1097-0223
• DOI: 10.1002/pd.4013

ABSTRACT
Objective
To compare the effect of third trimester three‐dimensional and four‐dimensional (3D/4D) versus two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) of the fetal face on maternal bonding. Studies quantifying the psychological effect of 3D/4D US on mothers, pregnant of a fetus with no detectable abnormalities, were reviewed.
Methods
One hundred sixty Caucasian women attended a third trimester 3D/4D or 2D US examination. Women filled out the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) 1 to 2 weeks before (MAAS1) and 1 to 2 weeks after (MAAS2) the US examination. Visibility, recognition and attractiveness were assessed.
Results
Within both US groups, the MAAS2 scores were significantly higher than the MAAS1 scores (p < 0.0001). No differences in MAAS scores between the US groups emerged. Visibility and recognition were significantly positively related with the increase in MAAS scores (p = 0.003 and p = 0.042) in the 3D/4D group.
Of 13 psychological studies, eight studies evaluated bonding and found no difference between 3D/4D and 2D US. The effect of 3D/4D US on satisfaction or perception showed conflicting results, and on anxiety/stress, reduction was the same as after 2D US.
Conclusions
Bonding increases after either a 3D/4D or 2D US. The effect of 3D/4D US on bonding is stronger at better degrees of visibility and recognition. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What's already known about this topic?
Two‐dimensional ultrasound has positive consequences on maternal–fetal bonding.
It is not established that three‐dimensional ultrasound has stronger impact on maternal–fetal bonding than two‐dimensional ultrasound.
What does this study add?
The effect of three‐dimensional ultrasound on maternal–fetal bonding is stronger at better degrees of visibility and recognition.