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Implications of incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound
Author(s) -
Chigbu Chibuike Ogwuegbu,
Odugu Boniface,
Okezie Obioma
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.09.021
Subject(s) - medicine , ultrasound , obstetrics , prospective cohort study , fetus , gynecology , psychology , pregnancy , surgery , radiology , genetics , biology
Objective : To assess the experiences of women following incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound. Method : A 3‐year prospective cohort study of 102 women with discordance between fetal sex determined by ultrasound scan and birth sex. Participants were interviewed using 2 structured pretested questionnaires. The first questionnaire was undertaken within 24 h of delivery. The women were followed up with a second questionnaire 6–9 months later. In‐depth interviews were also carried out at this time. Results : Women who had received an incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound experienced marital conflicts, domestic violence, negative perceptions of ultrasound, and a desire for reversal of tubal ligation. Conclusion : Incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound has implications that can affect the mental and psychological health of the mother and the upbringing of the newborn.