THE TRAUMA OF ULTRASOUND DURING A PREGNANCY FOLLOWING PERINATAL LOSS

ABSTRACT

This article explores how grief and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are relived during the ultrasound examination following perinatal loss. The research and testimonials of both mothers and fathers show how it is imperative that health care providers consider PTSD symptoms a normal phenomenon under these circumstances. Moreover, it is critical that parents be prepared for memories to resurface during this time. Staying in the present while being mindful of past trauma helps the focus remain on the current pregnancy and lessens the risk of PTSD.

Author Note

Joann O'Leary has a doctorate in family education with a minor in spirituality and health, a master's in maternal child health from the University of Minnesota, and a master's in psychology from Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has worked with families for 30 years, as a parent-infant mental health specialist within a high-risk perinatal center for 18 years, and as a special education infant teacher. She is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota, does consulting in the area of prenatal parenting, and facilitates a support group for families pregnant after the loss of a previous baby.

I would like to thank the participating families for their courage in sharing their stories. Editorial help was provided by Clare Thorwick, RN, and Dr. Jerry McClelland from the Department of Work, Community and Family Education at the University of Minnesota. This research was supported by the Bush Foundation, St. Paul, Minnesota.