The routinised use of ultrasound: Blessing or burden in women's pregnancy experiences?

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book The routinised use of ultrasound: Blessing or burden in women's pregnancy experiences? by Christine Schlapa, GRIN Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christine Schlapa ISBN: 9783638804042
Publisher: GRIN Publishing Publication: June 15, 2007
Imprint: GRIN Publishing Language: English
Author: Christine Schlapa
ISBN: 9783638804042
Publisher: GRIN Publishing
Publication: June 15, 2007
Imprint: GRIN Publishing
Language: English

Essay from the year 2007 in the subject Sociology - Gender Studies, grade: 88%, University of Auckland (Department of Sociology), course: Family, Women and the State, 24 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: Today, a number of medical technologies with varying degrees of accuracy are available for pregnant women. The most widely used prenatal diagnostic technology is ultrasound. Until the mid 1980s ultrasound was selectively offered to women with a high-risk pregnancy, but it is now considered a regular feature of prenatal care that can benefit all pregnant women. The psychological effects of ultrasound on the pregnancy experience have been widely explored and researchers found, that they are predominantly positive. However, little has yet been said about sociological aspects of the influence of ultrasound on women's pregnancy experiences. Therefore, this essay seeks to explore this topic in a sociological dimension, in order to answer the question, whether ultrasound is a benefit or a burden in regards to the pregnancy experiences of women. The essay sheds light on how ultrasound can be used for 'prenatal' family building as it allows the woman to involve her partner and members of the extended family in her pregnancy experience. The essay goes on to argue, that besides the empowerment of women's monopoly in family building strategies by ultrasound, the increased level of medicalisation of pregnancy has disempowering characteristics. After examining the influences of ultrasound at the women's status, it will be argued that also foetal images that have been influenced by ultrasound impact on women's pregnancy experiences. I will therefore discuss the 'prenatal paradox' of the construction of foetal personhood versus the image of the foetus as a consumer commodity. The last part of the essay shows how ultrasound influences the medical and societal view of having a disabled child in a time in which disability can be prevented by induced selective abortion.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Essay from the year 2007 in the subject Sociology - Gender Studies, grade: 88%, University of Auckland (Department of Sociology), course: Family, Women and the State, 24 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: Today, a number of medical technologies with varying degrees of accuracy are available for pregnant women. The most widely used prenatal diagnostic technology is ultrasound. Until the mid 1980s ultrasound was selectively offered to women with a high-risk pregnancy, but it is now considered a regular feature of prenatal care that can benefit all pregnant women. The psychological effects of ultrasound on the pregnancy experience have been widely explored and researchers found, that they are predominantly positive. However, little has yet been said about sociological aspects of the influence of ultrasound on women's pregnancy experiences. Therefore, this essay seeks to explore this topic in a sociological dimension, in order to answer the question, whether ultrasound is a benefit or a burden in regards to the pregnancy experiences of women. The essay sheds light on how ultrasound can be used for 'prenatal' family building as it allows the woman to involve her partner and members of the extended family in her pregnancy experience. The essay goes on to argue, that besides the empowerment of women's monopoly in family building strategies by ultrasound, the increased level of medicalisation of pregnancy has disempowering characteristics. After examining the influences of ultrasound at the women's status, it will be argued that also foetal images that have been influenced by ultrasound impact on women's pregnancy experiences. I will therefore discuss the 'prenatal paradox' of the construction of foetal personhood versus the image of the foetus as a consumer commodity. The last part of the essay shows how ultrasound influences the medical and societal view of having a disabled child in a time in which disability can be prevented by induced selective abortion.

More books from GRIN Publishing

Cover of the book Positioning of Heineken via sport sponsoring in the German beer market by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Great Britain and the Holocaust: Poland's Role in Revealing the News by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Private label brands are a threat for high value manufacturer's brands such as 'Charmin'! by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Teaching English to Children with Dyslexia by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book 'Key figure' or 'endangered species'? by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book The Family Markowitz by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book 'Achieved Unity of Meanings' vs. 'A Galaxy of Signifiers' by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book The Journey to Self-Awareness in Levinas' Philosophy and the Irish National Tale by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Marketing Options of the National Blood Service by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Ecotourism in Brazil - Case Study of the 'Legal Amazon' by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book A Discussion of Critical Legal Studies' Claim of Legal Indeterminacy by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Private equity as growth accelerator by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Nottingham: From garden town to industrial slum (1750-1830) by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Die Grenzen der Rechtsvergleichung als Auslegungsmethode (insbesondere im Internet- und Lauterkeitsrecht) by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book A Comprehensive Overview of Criteria Defining a Third-World-Country and an Exemplification of the Development of AIDS in the Sub-Saharan African State of Zambia by Christine Schlapa
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy