The Influences of Ultrasound Stimulated Paternal Fetal Bonding and Gender Identification

This study evaluated the significance of the ultrasound examination during the second trimester as a visual aid in stimulating the bonding process for the father. The father's view of ultrasound as a reliable source of information was also investigated. A cross-sectional study of 25 men who were unaware of the fetal gender prior to sonography was performed. Nine boy (36%), four girl (16%), and twelve no preference (48%) were specified as the genders of choice. Nineteen of the participants (76%) stated that they had already formed a paternal bond with the fetus prior to ultrasound. Gender was not identified as the dependent factor for paternal bonding (92%). Most of the subject's reactions were positive regarding the results of gender identification (92%). All participants (100%) viewed the ultrasound examination as a reliable source of information and the sonographer as a skilled medical professional.