Implications of incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the experiences of women following incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound.


METHODS
A 3-year prospective cohort study of 102 women with discordance between fetal sex determined by ultrasound scan and birth sex. Participants were interviewed using 2 structured pretested questionnaires. The first questionnaire was undertaken within 24 h of delivery. The women were followed up with a second questionnaire 6-9 months later. In-depth interviews were also carried out at this time.


RESULTS
Women who had received an incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound experienced marital conflicts, domestic violence, negative perceptions of ultrasound, and a desire for reversal of tubal ligation.


CONCLUSIONS
Incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound has implications that can affect the mental and psychological health of the mother and the upbringing of the newborn.
Chigbu
Chibuike Ogwuegbu
CO
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
Odugu
Boniface
B
Okezie
Obioma
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000523:psychology*; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal