Comparison of HD-live 3D and 2D imaging of the fetal face and its social-psychological impact on maternal/paternal-fetal relationship building

Purpose: Medical research has a long tradition in analyzing the value of HD-live/3D-imaging of the fetal face (FF) that provides fundamental information allowing the diagnosis of several fetal diseases. Although ultrasound images are not only used in medical examinations, but become an integral part of the expectant parents' social life, few researchers have focused on their social-psychological dimensions. We therefore conducted a comparative study analyzing the expecting parents' perception, understanding and utilization of HD-live/3D versus 2D-imaging.

Methods: A randomized longitudinal study of 29 nulliparous pregnant women and 15 of their partners (20 – 35 years), separated into two groups (G1, G2), was performed at the prenatal-diagnosis center Erfurt, in cooperation with the department of communication science, University of Erfurt. At first-trimester screening (T1), G1-participants received 2D-FF images, while G2-participants received HD-live/3D-FF images. After image-reception, participants underwent standardized and qualitative in-depth interviews at T1 and were questioned again 12 – 14 days later together with their partner (T2). Interviews were recorded, dimensional analyzed and inductively refined.

Results: G1 consisted of 15 women and 6 of their partners; G2 of 14 women and 9 partners. Participants of both groups reported FF-imaging to be seen as ‘visual evidence’, nurturing subjective feelings of security, supporting further integrative social and socio-psychological functions (e.g. ‘family function’; reinforcement of mother/father-fetal relationship-building). Especially 3D-images are socially shared, encouraged communication and strengthened social interactions. While G1-participants primarily saw 2D-FF imaging as ‘technical’ visual representation, similar to radiological imaging, G2-participants reported earlier and closer emotional bonding to the fetus, what especially helped fathers to put themselves in the position of ‘being a father.’.

Conclusions: HD-live 3D imaging rather than 2D imaging contributes to the antenatal emotional maternal/paternal-fetal bonding and the perception of pregnancy as new life situation as well as to the parents' individual realization of their changing social roles, especially among men.