Vulnerability of first-time expectant mothers during ultrasound scans: an evaluation of the external pressures that influence the process of informed choice.
The article investigates and evaluates, from a feminist perspective, the issues of informed choice and first obstetric ultrasound examinations, and reveals that it is impossible for an expectant mother to achieve this due to the medical environment and culture of hospitals. The study also indicates that the social pressure of having a scan, and obtaining a photograph as part of the pregnancy package, contributes to the external pressures on women, leading to their adoption of compliant behavior patterns.
Nicol
Marian
M
Division of Medical Imaging Sciences, St. Martins College, Lancaster, United Kingdom. m.nicol@ucsm.ac.uk
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012938:Social Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom