Nowadays the obstetric ultrasound is considered a prenatal period routine. This procedure has inaugurated a new contact with the intrauterine world, and has anticipated infant's real data concerning. It is possible to know the infant's sex, visualize physical characteristics and movement patterns, as well as to diagnose fetal abnormality. Therefore it is possible to affirm the increase of ultrasound use may affect parent-fetus relationship. Several studies have been carried out concerning the psychological implications of obstetric ultrasound on mother-fetus relationship. The present article reviews the main findings of these studies stressing both the fetal normality and abnormality situations. Even though there is no consensus regarding the impact of ultrasound on mother-fetus relationship, the studies are unanimous about the emotional impact of this exam in normal and, especially, in abnormal cases. It is necessary to attend to the psychological aspects of this examination and to its potential effect on parent-infant relationship.
fetal abnormality; pregnants; maternal-fetus relationship; obstetric ultrasound