超音波診断法による妊婦への心理的影響―施行者及び出産歴による比較

Psychological Effects of Ultrasonic Diagnosis on Pregnant Women: Comparison of Effector and Parity

要旨

　目的：本研究の目的は，超音波診断法の妊婦への心理的影響が施行者である医師と助産師，及び出産歴などの妊婦の背景により異なるかを明らかにすることである．

　方法：正常経過である妊婦215名を対象に，超音波検査後に無記名自記式質問紙調査を行った．

　結果：超音波診断法の心理的効果は，施行者である医師と助産師による差はなかった．しかし，初産婦や妊娠確定時に妊娠を肯定的に受け止めた妊婦，超音波診断法により胎児を自分とは別の個人，もしくは自分の一部だとの思いを強くする妊婦により顕著に表われていた．

　結論：助産師の超音波診断法実施においても医師と同等の心理的効果は得られ，助産師の実施も意義はあること，経産婦より初産婦に超音波診断法を用いた保健指導の効果が期待できること，同診断法を用いて胎児の存在を妊婦に意識付けできる関わりが重要であることが示唆された．

Abstract

　Objective：The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the psychological effects of an ultrasound examination on pregnant women differed based on whether performed by a physician or midwife, the background of pregnant women, and other factors.

　Methods：An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted after ultrasonography, involving 215 pregnant women showing a normal course.

　Results：Maternal consciousness and behavior and attachment to the fetus became accompanied by a more positive acceptance owing to ultrasound examination. No difference in effect was noted between the procedure being conducted by a physician and midwife, but ultrasound examination had a marked effect on primiparas, pregnant women who viewed pregnancy positively when it was determined, and pregnant women who more strongly viewed the fetus as an individual different from or a part of themselves.

　Conclusion：Ultrasound examination made by midwives had a similar psychological effect as that of physician. Thus, the results suggested the following：significance of ultrasound examination made by midwife, effectiveness of healthcare guidance for primiparas employing ultrasound examination, and importance of the examination and intervention for pregnant women to become aware of a fetus.