First-trimester ultrasound is one of the most exciting times for patients during their pregnancy. Ultrasound images have progressed by leaps and bounds from grainy, black-and-white images to clear, detailed 3D images and even 4D scans. Parents treasure these images and share them with friends and family.
First Trimester Ultrasound
The bonding experience of this ultrasound is often understated medically and can be an important moment between clinician and patient. Most importantly, though, a first-trimester ultrasound allows for invaluable maternal-fetal bonding. Maternal-fetal bonding is a clinical term used to describe the pregnant patient's attachment to the growing baby; it is also referred to as parental-fetal bonding.
Important Ultrasound Milestones
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant patients have at least one ultrasound during their pregnancy between 18 and 22 weeks. With this examination, clinicians can scan the fetus's full anatomy, attain measurements, and determine the sex.
Additionally, with 3D (and 4D, if available) ultrasound, parents can get lifelike views and, if applicable, reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing healthily. Research in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology suggests that 3D ultrasound images may enhance the carrying parent's bonding with the fetus. In this study, those who had a 3D ultrasound showed the images to more people and spoke more excitedly about their ultrasound experience.
3D Rendering of the fetal face
Some patients may have an earlier ultrasound in the first trimester — around 6 to 8 weeks. This earlier, first-trimester ultrasound aids in estimating gestational age and due date, finding multiples, and screening for genetic disorders. Expecting parents may also be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. This is often the initial and most powerful moment of maternal-fetal bonding.
The Role of Ultrasound in Pregnancy Bonding
Ultrasounds provide reassurance and stimulate parental bonding with the fetus, which encourages healthy pregnancy behaviors — not only for carrying parents but for non-carrying parents, as well. Research in the Infant Mental Health Journal found the following: "Prenatal father involvement is also associated with parenting outcomes. Father involvement during pregnancy is predictive of father engagement during the postpartum period and beyond."
The research cites that "the great majority of men — upward of 80%" attend at least one prenatal ultrasound. Couples identified ultrasound exams as "important" or "milestone" appointments that both should attend.
Clinicians can play a role in encouraging parental-fetal bonding by engaging both parents during ultrasound appointments and while discussing the baby's health.
Honoring the Bonding Experience
It can be easy to get caught up in the clinical utility of ultrasound, but it's important to remember that this is a monumental moment for the patient, their partner, and their little one. Allowing time and space for parental-fetal bonding can create a stronger family unit for the rest of the pregnancy and beyond. Ultrasound technology can play a key role in supporting that experience.
