Table 2 Categories and their sub-categories

I: Ultrasound plays a central role in pregnancy management

• A much valued tool by midwives and pregnant women

• Places demands on midwives’ technical and counseling skills

II. Ultrasound contributes to the fetus being viewed as a ‘child’

• The ultrasound creates an image of a ‘child’

• It makes you treat the fetus as a patient

• Only ‘irresponsible’ mums decline ultrasound examinations

III. Ambivalent feelings about obstetric ultrasound

• Ultrasound may be perceived as a selection method

• Ultrasound examinations are intended to optimize pregnancy outcomes