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 Aspects of Sexuality in Vita Sackville-West's Life and Writing by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book A critical appraisal of global innovation management literature: Is there really a 'trend towards a global innovation network'? by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book International Cooperation in Dealing with International Crimes under International Criminal Law: The Case of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Analisis de la Carta sobre el Humanismo de Heidegger by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book A Never-Ending Quarrel - Bob Dylan and Society by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Tapas de Culture by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Organizational Structure and the Disciples of the Dog. Organizational Cynicism by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book PENOLOGY - How far does the empirical evidence support the view that 'nothing works' in the punishment of the offenders? by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Pictures, music, speech and writing by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Sklaverei und Sklavenhandel in der Erinnerungskultur by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Edward Said and the Cultural History of British Colonialism in India by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book African American English by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Is there such a thing as Global Governance? by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book The Chechen Identity: between social movement and 'identity makers' by Christine Schlapa
Cover of the book Food, Fitness, Fun - trends in hospitality today 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