Acceptability of Transvaginal Ultrasound in an Early Pregnancy Unit

Author： MacLean Marjory Hughes Sheila Cummiskey Margaret

ISSN： 1743-1344

Source： Ultrasound, Vol.12, Iss.3, 2004-08, pp. : 146-148

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of transvaginal ultrasound scanning (TVS) in the setting of an early pregnancy unit as this has not previously been reported, despite recommendations that a non-continuing pregnancy is confirmed using vaginal ultrasonography. Ethical approval was obtained for the study. Eighty women attending the early pregnancy unit were invited to complete a questionnaire after being offered a vaginal ultrasound scan to establish the viability of an early pregnancy. All women except one agreed to a TVS. Eighty-two per cent of the women admitted to being anxious before the investigation. The scan was found to be unpleasant by 2% of women, slightly unpleasant by 33% and not unpleasant by 65%. A similar number found it uncomfortable or sore (1, 33 and 66%, respectively). All women said they would have a TVS again. Sixty-eight per cent said they preferred it to filling their bladder for an abdominal scan, 14% did not express a preference and 16% would prefer to fill their bladder. This study confirms that vaginal ultrasound is an acceptable investigation in an early pregnancy unit setting. It can be recommended to women who want information regarding fetal viability in early pregnancy.