Abstract:
Ultrasound scans have become an essential requirement of pregnancy care in countries with developed health services and
increasingly being used in medical practice in Ghana as well. The aim of this study was to find out the perception of primigravidas
experiencing antenatal ultrasonography for the first time in Cape Coast. This was a descriptive, prospective study which employed
the use of a questionnaire to obtain data from 384 consented respondents, who were primigravidas experiencing antenatal
ultrasonography for the first time in three selected public health facilities in Cape Coast Metropolis over a six-month period.
Sociodemographic data, reasons for undergoing antenatal ultrasound, their expectations, knowledge in fetal abnormalities, and
suggestions to help improve their future experiences were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20.0
(SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Out of a total number of 384 respondents, 87.8% of them knew about what ultrasound is used for.
87.5% scanned because a doctor or midwife requested for the scan whilst 53.9% scanned to check for fetal abnormalities. 98.4%
indicated that ultrasound scanning has positive effects on pregnancy outcome. An expensive service was stated as a negative
reason that would influence the decision to undergo the examination next time; nonetheless, 90.4% would recommend it to other
women and suggested showing the fetus on monitor while scanning and providing accurate findings would make their future
experiences better. The perception of the primigravidas was largely positive. Checking for fetal abnormalities was a major reason
for the scans, although their knowledge in specific fetal abnormalities was low. They expected to know the fetal sex, but that was
not a major reason for scanning. Showing them the monitor was the most frequent suggestion to make future experience better.
