A nationwide survey of pregnant women on their experience with fetal ultrasound examination in Japan

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Medical Ultrasonics
Published
2026-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10396-026-01678-w
Primary Topic
Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

A nationwide survey of pregnant women on their experience with fetal ultrasound examination in Japan

Kaori Muto, Takahiro Yamada, Kentaro Kurasawa, Nahoko Shirato et al.
Journal of Medical Ultrasonics
Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
article

A nationwide survey of pregnant women on their experience with fetal ultrasound examination in Japan

Kaori Muto, Takahiro Yamada, Kentaro Kurasawa, Nahoko Shirato, 中林 弘樹, Aiko Sekine, Shimasaki Miku, Tatsuko Ishii, Miwa Sakamoto, Kyoko Mimura, Akihiko Sekizawa
article en

Abstract

PURPOSE: Fetal ultrasound examination (FUSE) is a prenatal screening test that can detect fetal structural abnormalities before birth. The purpose of this study was to clarify how pregnant women perceive FUSE and what they expect from it. METHODS: A questionnaire survey comprising 21 questions was conducted using the "Baby Plus" application for pregnant women. The response period was from November 8 to November 30, 2023. The participants were women who were at least 20 weeks of gestation and postpartum mothers within 3 months of delivery. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Responses were received from 1,100 women. Sixty-six percent of the women recognized the differences between FUSE and routine ultrasonography. Forty-nine percent had undergone or planned to undergo FUSE, and 87% of those had received an explanation about the test. Many women expressed a desire for detailed explanations about the examination itself. Although less common, some women indicated that they did not wish to undergo fetal ultrasound examinations or learn about fetal abnormalities. Approximately 70% of women reported that they would consider termination of pregnancy if fetal abnormalities were detected. CONCLUSION: There may be a mismatch between pregnant women's expectations regarding FUSE and the way it is currently provided, including the timing of the examination and the explanations given. To help reduce this mismatch and support informed decision-making among pregnant women, greater standardization of FUSE practices and individualized explanations may be beneficial.

Journal of Medical Ultrasonics
SHOWA Medical University (JP), Yokohama City University Hospital (JP), Hokkaido University Hospital (JP), The University of Tokyo (JP), Yokohama City University (JP)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
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