Doctors' perspective on obstetric ultrasound: concept, knowledge and practice

Problems arise when women attend for obstetric ultrasound scans, not always fully aware of the purpose of the examinations they have chosen to opt for and sometimes experience anxiety, as their expectations are not met. This study has explored, through in- depth interviews and ‘framework’ analysis, whether doctors are actively engaged in unbiased information sharing with pregnant women during their consultations. Through exploration of the literature on women’s and health professionals’ perspective on the use of obstetric ultrasound, a gap is seen in the knowledge regarding the medical perspective on ultrasound use in pregnancy. Results of this study revealed three themes relating to the doctor’s experiences of offering obstetric ultrasound: doctors’ knowledge and understanding, their views on the practice of obstetric ultrasound use and their ideas on the concept of ultrasound. These themes been considered alongside the writings on power/knowledge, govemmentality and self-surveillance through risk theory, by the philosopher Michel Foucault (1926-84), as his ideas have been central to this research question. The conclusion reached is that, although making changes to doctors’ in house training may increase their knowledge of obstetric ultrasound, it may still be the case that their professional position within society will still create a barrier to women making informed decisions when requiring to consider opting for ultrasound scans during their pregnancy.