The expectations of antenatal screening and experiences of the first-trimester screening scan

- Parents' expectations of antenatal screening were largely realistic.
- First-time mothers in particular needed more counselling for antenatal screening.
- Less-educated expecting parents had poor knowledge of antenatal screening.
- The experiences of ultrasound were similar for both parents.
- For most respondents the screening scan confirmed approaching parenthood.

Aimto describe the expectations to and knowledge of antenatal screening of expecting parents, and their experiences concerning the first-trimester screening scan.Designsurvey study with a consecutive sampling method.Settingtwo hospital districts in Finland, namely the capital area and Eastern Finland. Together these two districts include the six different municipal units in which the first-trimester screening scans discussed in the study were done during spring 2015.Participants1037 participants: 654 pregnant women and 346 partners.Measurements and findingsthe survey was based on an electronic questionnaire containing 29 questions. Almost all the pregnant women involved had received information on screenings during antenatal care, but only 20% reported a good level of familiarity with the various screening methods. Of the respondents, around 30% of the partners and 26% of all participants with lower education considered their knowledge to be poor. Around 30% of nulliparous respondents reported a need for further information. The experiences of the first-trimester screening scans were generally positive, though some of the partners felt they were treated too impersonally. Parents were well informed during the scan.Key conclusionsthe expectations of the antenatal screening of the parents-to-be were realistic, even for those whose knowledge of antenatal screening by their own estimation inadequate. Nulliparous and highly-educated respondents would have needed more counselling. For all respondents the first trimester screening scan generally reinforced the sense of becoming a parent.Implications for practicenew ways to provide information on antenatal screening are needed. In particular, there should be a focus on making the information more understandable and accessible both to pregnant women and to partners. The results of this study could be used in developing such means of providing such information during antenatal care and services in ultrasound units. The results would also be helpful for improving professional skills of the medical personnel performing the scans, and for providing information on them.