When fetal hydronephrosis is suspected antenatally : a qualitative study

Background: The information about fetal malformation findings during the ultrasound examination often comes unexpectedly, and the women and their partners may not necessarily receive any conclusive statement on the prognosis. A finding such as fetal hydronephrosis range from being a soft markers or mild anomaly, to a serious condition associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to explore women’s reactions to the discovery of fetal hydronephrosis in the context of uncertainty regarding the prognosis. Methods: Ten women were interviewed and the interviews were conducted six to twelve months after the women gave birth. They had experience of suspected fetal hydronephrosis in gestational week 18–20. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative analysis. Results: The core category, ‘Going through crisis by knowing that you are doing the right thing’ illustrates the meaning of women’s reactions and feelings. It illuminates the four categories: ‘When the unexpected happens’– on the one hand, women had positive views that the suspicious malformation could be discovered; however, on the other hand, women questioned the screening. ‘To live in suspense during pregnancy’ – the suspicious malformation caused anxiety and was a stressful situation. ‘Difficulties in understanding information’ – the women thought they had limited knowledge and had difficulties in understanding the information. ‘Suppress feelings and hope for the best’ – the women tried to postpone the problem and thought they should deal with it after delivery. Conclusions: Women are worried irrespective of suspicious or severe malformations, and in need of information and counselling tailored to their individual needs. Other sources of support could be: written information, links to reliable sources on the Internet and possibilities for ongoing follow-ups

When fetal hydronephrosis is suspected antenatally : A qualitative study

Background: The information about fetal malformation findings during the ultrasound examination often comes unexpectedly, and the women and their partners may not necessarily receive any conclusive statement on the prognosis. A finding such as fetal hydronephrosis range from being a soft markers or mild anomaly, to a serious condition associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to explore womens reactions to the discovery of fetal hydronephrosis in the context of uncertainty regarding the prognosis. Methods: Ten women were interviewed and the interviews were conducted six to twelve months after the women gave birth. They had experience of suspected fetal hydronephrosis in gestational week 18-20. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative analysis. Results: The core category, Going through crisis by knowing that you are doing the right thing illustrates the meaning of womens reactions and feelings. It illuminates the four categories: When the unexpected happens-on the one hand, women had positive views that the suspicious malformation could be discovered; however, on the other hand, women questioned the screening. To live in suspense during pregnancy - the suspicious malformation caused anxiety and was a stressful situation. Difficulties in understanding information - the women thought they had limited knowledge and had difficulties in understanding the information. Suppress feelings and hope for the best - the women tried to postpone the problem and thought they should deal with it after delivery. Conclusions: Women are worried irrespective of suspicious or severe malformations, and in need of information and counselling tailored to their individual needs. Other sources of support could be: written information, links to reliable sources on the Internet and possibilities for ongoing follow-ups

When fetal hydronephrosis is suspected antenatally : A qualitative study

Background: The information about fetal malformation findings during the ultrasound examination often comes unexpectedly, and the women and their partners may not necessarily receive any conclusive statement on the prognosis. A finding such as fetal hydronephrosis range from being a soft markers or mild anomaly, to a serious condition associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to explore womens reactions to the discovery of fetal hydronephrosis in the context of uncertainty regarding the prognosis. Methods: Ten women were interviewed and the interviews were conducted six to twelve months after the women gave birth. They had experience of suspected fetal hydronephrosis in gestational week 18-20. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative analysis. Results: The core category, Going through crisis by knowing that you are doing the right thing illustrates the meaning of womens reactions and feelings. It illuminates the four categories: When the unexpected happens-on the one hand, women had positive views that the suspicious malformation could be discovered; however, on the other hand, women questioned the screening. To live in suspense during pregnancy - the suspicious malformation caused anxiety and was a stressful situation. Difficulties in understanding information - the women thought they had limited knowledge and had difficulties in understanding the information. Suppress feelings and hope for the best - the women tried to postpone the problem and thought they should deal with it after delivery. Conclusions: Women are worried irrespective of suspicious or severe malformations, and in need of information and counselling tailored to their individual needs. Other sources of support could be: written information, links to reliable sources on the Internet and possibilities for ongoing follow-ups

Developmental Differences in Left Ventricular Strain in IUGR vs. Control Children the First Three Months of Life

Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may directly affect cardiovascular function in early life. Longitudinal data on left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS), a key measure of cardiac function independent of body size, is not available. We hypothesize impaired cardiac function among IUGR newborns and persistence of the impairment until age 3 months. Method This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive pregnancies where IUGR was identified at 18–38 weeks gestational age (GA) with healthy controls randomly selected at 18–20 weeks GA. Echocardiograms were performed at birth and at age 3–4 months, and then compared. Results At birth, mean (SD) LVLS did not differ between the IUGR group [N = 19; − 15.76 (3.12) %] and controls [N = 35; − 15.53 (3.56) %]. The IUGR group demonstrated no significant change in LVLS at age 3–4 months [− 17.80 (3.82) %], while the control group [− 20.91 (3.31) %] showed a significant increase (P &lt; 0.001). Thus, LVLS was lower in the IUGR group at age 3–4 months (P = 0.003). Conclusion The lack of increase in LVLS may suggest that IUGR has a direct impact on cardiac function as early as during the first months of life. Trial registration Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT02583763, registration October 22, 2015. Retrospectively registered September 2014–October 2015, thereafter, registered prospectively. Impact Statement No change in left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS) was observed among IUGR infants between birth and age 3–4 months. LVLS significantly increased in controls during the same period, resulting in the finding of lower LVLS among IUGR infants compared with controls at age 3–4 months. Lack of increase in LVLS among IUGR infants may suggest an impact on cardiac function as early as the first few months of life.Funding: Linkoping University; ALF grants from Region Ostergotland [RO-937606, RO-910251]</p

Impact of a standardized training program on midwive’s ability to assess fetal heart anatomy by ultrasound

Background: Studies of prenatal detection of congenital heart disease (CDH) in the UK, Italy, and Norway indicate that it should be possible to improve the prenatal detection rate of CDH in Sweden. These studies have shown that training programs, visualization of the outflow tracts and color-Doppler all can help to speed up and improve the detection rate and accuracy. We aimed to introduce a more accurate standardized fetal cardiac ultrasound screening protocol in Sweden. Methods: A novel pedagogical model for training midwives in standardized cardiac imaging was developed, a model using a think-aloud analysis during a pre- and post-course test and a subsequent group reflection. The self-estimated difficulties and knowledge gaps of four midwives were identified. A two-day course with mixed lectures, demonstrations and handson sessions was followed by a feedback session one month later consisting of an interview and check-up. The long-term effects were tested two years later. Results: At the post-course test the self-assessed uncertainty was lower than at the pre-course test. The qualitative evaluation showed that the color Doppler images were difficult to interpret, but the training seems to have enhanced the familiarity with the new technique. The ability to perform the method remained at the new level at follow-up both three months and two years later. Conclusions: Our results indicate that by implementing new imaging modalities and providing hands-on training, uncertainty can be reduced and time decreased, but they also show that continuous on-site training with clinical and technical back-up is important

Impact of a standardized training program on midwive’s ability to assess fetal heart anatomy by ultrasound

Background: Studies of prenatal detection of congenital heart disease (CDH) in the UK, Italy, and Norway indicate that it should be possible to improve the prenatal detection rate of CDH in Sweden. These studies have shown that training programs, visualization of the outflow tracts and color-Doppler all can help to speed up and improve the detection rate and accuracy. We aimed to introduce a more accurate standardized fetal cardiac ultrasound screening protocol in Sweden. Methods: A novel pedagogical model for training midwives in standardized cardiac imaging was developed, a model using a think-aloud analysis during a pre- and post-course test and a subsequent group reflection. The self-estimated difficulties and knowledge gaps of four midwives were identified. A two-day course with mixed lectures, demonstrations and handson sessions was followed by a feedback session one month later consisting of an interview and check-up. The long-term effects were tested two years later. Results: At the post-course test the self-assessed uncertainty was lower than at the pre-course test. The qualitative evaluation showed that the color Doppler images were difficult to interpret, but the training seems to have enhanced the familiarity with the new technique. The ability to perform the method remained at the new level at follow-up both three months and two years later. Conclusions: Our results indicate that by implementing new imaging modalities and providing hands-on training, uncertainty can be reduced and time decreased, but they also show that continuous on-site training with clinical and technical back-up is important