Table 7 Final clusters and coding themes

Imaging modality

MRI as an advanced fetal imaging modality

Parents viewed fetal MRI as superior to US

“We’d had ultrasound scans before, but I wasn’t prepared for how amazingly detailed the MRI would be.”

13

1.04%

Imaging experience

Scans for confirmation of fetal health

Pregnancy scans considered a tool for reassurance about the pregnancy

“I’m most looking forward to the confirmation that the pregnancy remains low risk and that all is as expected.”

174

12.94%

The potential for unexpected news

Parents felt anxious about the possibility of receiving unexpected news from the scan

“I’m just worried that something is wrong with the baby and I get bad news.”

111

8.12%

Satisfaction with the scan experience

Parents felt satisfied with their scan experience when their expectations for care were adequately met

“I do not think there are any improvements to be made. I was kept informed, well prepared and made comfortable.”

84

6.19%

Interaction with healthcare professionals

Parental experiences were supported by good communication during the scan to alleviate anxiety

“The sonographer was professional but warm, sharing her expertise in an accessible and calm-inducing way. She talked through every step of the scan, the image, and also what might take a bit longer to see (but that didn’t mean there was a problem with the fetus) – i.e. managing our anxiety pre-emptively.”

67

4.40%

Facilitating improved care experiences

Parent-centred care requires sufficient time to experience the scan and ask questions

“Unfortunately, they made it feel rushed and it’s such a huge moment for us that it felt like we were another tick off the list.”

65

4.63%

Uncomfortable scans

Despite some maternal discomfort, both scan procedures were tolerated because of their potential benefits

“It was quite uncomfortable [in the MRI scanner], but of course I would get all necessary scans if there any concerns about my baby’s health.”

“It was a little bit uncomfortable at one point when the baby’s head was very low down and the sonographer was trying to get the right angle to see the face clearly.”

37

2.92%

Attending hospital during a pandemic

Infection control measures were stressful for parents, especially as they were not supportive of partners’ attendance

“It made everything harder to wait outside the hospital […] it made the entire process far more stressful and unpleasant. Pregnancy is not just for women – partners need to be involved at all times.”

37

2.47%

Scan extras

Some parents wanted more from their scans than can be offered in practice

“I would love to have seen everything in 3D.”

25

1.63%

The unknowns of pregnancy scanning

Some parents did not feel fully prepared for scans

“It took a long time and I wasn’t aware upfront exactly how long [it would take].”

19

1.15%

Parent excitement

Seeing baby for oneself

Parents reassured by seeing their babies and enjoy the visual interaction

“It was a lovely period of time to get to spend looking at the baby and seeing how they’re growing. It reassured me that everything was progressing as it should be.”

197

13.43%

Knowing baby’s sex

Parents excited to learn the fetal sex as it helped to personify their baby

“I would have welcomed a girl or boy equally, but finding out the gender helps me visualise the reality of the baby coming into our lives…”

78

3.77%

Becoming a parent for the first time

The scan as a catalyst for the transition to parenthood

“The scan completely changed how I felt about my baby…I definitely prioritised my baby more – my prior concerns about my career just don’t seem as pressing now.”

66

4.77%

Scans for bonding

The scan experience helped parents to feel more connected to their babies and each other

“This scan really helped us to be in a better place mentally and to bond with our baby.”

31

1.84%

Parent type

Fathers’ excitement to be involved

Scans provided an opportunity for fathers to be involved in the pregnancy

“Being a Dad-to-be in this process, the scan is the only time I get to see the baby and interact with it.”

62

4.78%

Tentative motherhood

Mothers withheld excitement until they felt reassured by their scans

“Having confirmation that the baby was growing as normal allowed me to be more excited and start to believe properly that the baby would be born without complications…”

41

3.05%

Mothers’ responsibility for scans

Mothers felt a greater sense of responsibility for the scan outcome

“The baby wouldn’t move […] this was stressful as I felt I needed to do something about it […] but was unable to make him move. I felt like I’d done something wrong.”

13

0.92%