Parents' experiences, reactions and needs regarding a nonviable fetus diagnosed at a second trimester routine ultrasound

• Published in: Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing Vol. 37; no. 4; p. 446
• Main Authors: Ekelin, Maria, Crang-Svalenius, Elizabeth, Nordström, Berit, Dykes, Anna-Karin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2008
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aftercare; Attitude to Health; Empathy; Female; Fetal Death - diagnostic imaging; Grief; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Life Change Events; Male; Maternal-Child Nursing; Models, Psychological; Nursing Methodology Research; Parents - education; Parents - psychology; Patient Care Planning; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second - psychology; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweden; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - psychology
• ISSN: 1552-6909
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2008.00258.x

To conceptualize women's and their partners' experiences and ways of handling the situation before, during, and after second trimester ultrasound examination with the diagnosis of a nonviable fetus.
A grounded theory study.
A Swedish regional hospital.
Nine women and 6 men (n=15) were interviewed within a year of the event.
The core category was Unexpected change in life. Four categories that were encompassed by the core category emerged: (a) Deceived by a false sense of security; (b) Confronting reality; (c) Grieving; and (d) Reorientation.
These parents were unprepared for the diagnosis of a nonviable fetus. In addition to the crisis reaction, they realized that the sense of security they had experienced was false. As different care givers were involved, the need for a care plan was evident. Support from care givers was a very important factor.