Pregnant Saudi Women Research Articles

OC-7c: Case control study of the predictors of pregnancy-induced venous thromboembolism among Saudi pregnant women

OC-7c: Case control study of the predictors of pregnancy-induced venous thromboembolism among Saudi pregnant women

For You and Your Baby (4YYB): Adapting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Text4Baby Program for Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundPoor birth outcomes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have been found to be partially due to missed prenatal appointments as well as lack of knowledge of healthy pregnancy behaviors.ObjectiveThe objectives are to summarize birth outcomes and the antenatal care system in KSA, summarize research related to the US Text4Baby mobile health program, and outline the development of an Arabic version of the Text4baby app, For You and Your Baby (4YYB).MethodsFirst, birth outcomes, health care access, and smartphone usage among Saudi Arabian women are reviewed. Next, the current evidence behind Text4Baby is described. Finally, a plan to develop and test 4YYB is proposed. In the plan, studies will need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of 4YYB in educating pregnant Saudi women on healthy knowledge and behaviors. This will create an evidence base behind 4YYB before it is launched as a full-scale public health effort in KSA.ResultsThe KSA offers public medical services but remaining challenges include poor birth outcomes and health care access barriers. An estimated 73% to 84% of Saudi women of child-bearing age use smartphone social media apps. A total of 13 published articles on Text4Baby were identified and reviewed. Due to design limitations, the studies provide only limited evidence about the effectiveness of the program in increasing healthy pregnancy knowledge and behaviors. To be useful for Saudi women, the educational messages in 4YYB will need to be translated from English to Arabic and tailored for cultural norms.ConclusionsDeveloping the 4YYB Arabic-language app for use by pregnant Saudi Arabian women based on Text4Baby is a viable approach, but a rigorous study design is needed to determine its effectiveness in improving healthy pregnancy knowledge and behaviors.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant Saudi woman in Arar, Northern Borders Province, Saudi Arabia

Background Toxoplasmosis, a worldwide disease, is considered one of the main problems challenging developed and developing countries.Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by intrauterine infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Particularly, if the infection occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy it may cause serious complications, resulting from vertical transmission to an embryo, such as microcephaly, hydrocephalus, and blindness. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant Saudi women in Arar, Northern Borders Province, Saudi Arabia.Patients and methods A total of 340 participants enrolled for prenatal care at the Arar Maternity and Pediatric Hospital in Arar over a 1-year period between January 2015 and January 2016 were included. Two techniques were used to detect the presence of T. gondii-specific antibodies in their sera: an indirect hemagglutination assay followed by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results In general, the data showed that there was a positive correlation (P<0.05) between women aged between 20 and 30 years and toxoplasmosis infection.Of the 340 samples tested using an indirect hemagglutination assay, 285 samples were negative and 55 (6.2%) samples were positive at dilutions between 1 : 64 and 1 : 2048.For the specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, from 340 tested samples, two were seropositive at 0.6% with T. gondii immunoglobulin M and 55 samples were seropositive at 13.5% with anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G.Conclusion Screening measures can be taken to decrease the risk for infection during pregnancy and prevent severe illness in newborn infants. Therefore, many cases of congenital toxoplasmosis can be prevented.

Antibiotics and over the counter medication use and its correlates among Arab pregnant women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background and Objective:The use of over the counter medications (OTCMs) is a common practice globally. OTCMs are of special concern among pregnant women as they pose risk to the mother and fetus. The objective was to assess the use of OTCMs by pregnant woman, and factors associated with it.Methods:A cross-sectional study, using a structured self-administrated questionnaire was conducted at the obstetric and antenatal clinics at King Khalid University hospital, Riyadh. 354 pregnant women were surveyed.Result:About 32% of the study participants used OTCMs without prescription at least once during their last pregnancy. The most commonly used OTCM was Paracetamol (22%). Pharmacists were the main source of knowledge (53%) for the participants. Correct knowledge regarding the drugs was associated with the usage of OTCM drug.Conclusion:Use of OTCMs and antibiotics during pregnancy is a common practice among Saudi pregnant women. General awareness regarding OTCMs use during pregnancy without prescription needs to be raised in the community. Pharmacists and media can help in providing accurate knowledge.

Obstetric Outcome in Obese Saudi Pregnant Women: A Cohort Prospective Study at a Teaching Hospital.

Objective:The objective of this study was to compare obstetrical outcome in obese women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥29.9 kg/m2 and women with a normal BMI of 20–24.9 kg/m2.Methods:This is a prospective cohort study of 300 Saudi females aged between 20 and 35 years in their first trimester of pregnancy and 300 nonobese pregnant controls attending the King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Patients with a preexisting disease were excluded from the study.Results:A significantly higher proportion of obstetrical complications were seen among women with higher BMI compared with those with a normal BMI. The specific complications seen in obese women were gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, birth asphyxia, neonatal intensive care admission, premature birth, wound complications and thromboembolism.Conclusion:Obesity in pregnancy is associated with higher fetomaternal morbidities and a comprehensive plan should be implemented to provide a better outcome for both women and their infants.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Subgingival Bacteria in Predicting Preterm Birth : A Pilot Cohort Study

Preterm birth (PTB) increases the risk of adverse outcomes for new born infants. Subgingival bacteria are implicated in causing PTB. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of some subgingival gram positive and gram negative bacteria detected by routine lab procedures in predicting PTB. Pregnant Saudi women (n= 170) visiting King Fahad hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, were included in a pilot cohort study. Plaque was collected in the 2nd trimester and screened for subgingival anaerobes using Vitek2. Pregnancy outcome (preterm/full term birth) was assessed at delivery. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the identified bacteria to predict PTB. Data about time of delivery was available for 94 subjects and 22 (23.4%) had PTB. Three gram negative and 4 gram positive subgingival bacteria had sensitivity ≥ 95% with two of each having negative likelihood ratios ≤0.10. Three gram positive bacteria had specificity > 95% with only one having positive likelihood ratio >2. Subgingival bacteria identified using readily available lab techniques in the plaque of pregnant Saudi women in their 2nd trimester have useful potential to rule out PTB.

Association between oral health knowledge and practices of Saudi Pregnant women in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

This study assessed the association between oral health knowledge and practices of pregnant Saudi women selected from visitors to a government hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia in 2014. Women answered questions on oral health knowledge during pregnancy and knowledge of infant oral health. Most women (> 70%) knew that dental caries in children can be prevented, that pregnancy affects oral health and that dental treatment during pregnancy can negatively affect infants. Most women (> 80%) performed oral hygiene procedures but only 18% regularly visited the dentist. In a regression analysis, oral health knowledge was not significantly associated with reported oral hygiene practices. Women who visited the dentist regularly were more likely to know how to prevent caries in children, and that dental treatment during pregnancy and infant health were associated.

Food intake, oral hygiene and gingival bleeding in pregnancy: does lifestyle make a difference? A cross sectional exploratory study.

To investigate the association between lifestyle factors (food intake, sugary snacks consumption and oral health practices) and gingival bleeding during pregnancy. A cross sectional exploratory study was conducted in the Maternity hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It included pregnant Saudi women selected using a convenience sample. Information was collected concerning participants' background, oral hygiene practices and visits to dentists. They were asked about the amount of food they consumed and their use of sugary snacks. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between lifestyle factors and gingival bleeding. Responses were obtained from 197 women (92.1% response rate). Most women brushed their teeth but had < the recommended intake in the various food groups. Brushing was associated with lower odd of gingival bleeding (odds ratio= 0.47, 95% confidence interval= 0.23, 0.93) whereas intake of fewer servings than the recommended amounts in all food groups was associated with higher odds (odds ratio = 3.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.12, 11.82). Brushing and food intake during pregnancy are associated with gingival bleeding. Pregnant women can potentially improve their oral health by modifying their lifestyle and following healthier practices.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Saudi Women.

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a public health problem worldwide due to its important role in health and disease. The present work is intended to examine prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant Saudi women and related risk factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 160 pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and maternal characteristics were collected and vitamin D intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Weight and height were measured using standardized methods. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) and insufficiency (25(OH)D = 50–74 nmol/L) were reported in 50% and 43.8% of the study sample, respectively. Median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 49.9 nmol/L. Adequate vitamin D intake (≥600 IU/day) was reported among only 8.1% of pregnant women. Age group, educational level, sun exposure frequency and daytime and daily practice of exercise were significantly associated with vitamin D status. Overall, vitamin D deficiency was common among pregnant Saudi women in Riyadh. Steps should be taken to address the current situation, including increased sunlight exposure, consumption of fatty fish, and vitamin D supplements.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers associated with the uptake of influenza vaccine among pregnant women

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and factors associated with the uptake of the influenza (flu) vaccination in women within Saudi Arabia during their pregnancy period. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective survey was conducted on 1085 pregnant women at the antenatal clinic over a period of 6 weeks with the provision of influenza vaccination. The questionnaire collected demographic and other data; it included 12 questions on their general knowledge and assessed their attitude toward influenza vaccination, and their awareness of vaccine risk and the potential benefits during pregnancy. The knowledge score obtained was then calculated and compared. Results: A total of 998 patients took part in the questionnaire with a response rate of 92%. There was poor awareness that the flu vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy (130, 13.1%) and that all pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine (190, 19.1%). Pregnant women with flu vaccine knowledge score of ⩽5 (range 0–12) were significantly less likely to take the vaccine (OR 3.78, 95% CI 2.68–5.26, p<0.001). There was a low uptake of the vaccine (178, 18.1%) and only 29 (3.0%) had previously been offered the flu vaccine by any doctor during their pregnancy. In addition, 255 (25.8%) were against taking the flu vaccine during pregnancy. Conclusion: The knowledge and uptake of the influenza vaccine among Saudi pregnant women are low. One quarter was against the vaccine during pregnancy. Very few believed the flu vaccine to be safe during pregnancy. Rarely, physicians advise their clients to take flu vaccine.

Serum levels of some micronutrients among first trimester pregnant Saudi women at the pre-diabetes stage

Serum levels of some micronutrients among first trimester pregnant Saudi women at the pre-diabetes stage

Prevalence and genotyping ofToxoplasma gondii among Saudi pregnant women in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular protozoan that can infect all mammals, who serve as intermediate host. It causes congenital, neurological, eyes complications and mild or asymptomatic infections in humans. Purpose of this study: To investigate not only the prevalence of T. gondii, but also to find out its genotyping using multiple sequential molecular methods to predict exactly the precise genotyping of T. gondii among Saudi pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage methods. Initial stage involved enrolment of 250 Saudi pregnant women from multi-centre healthcare and community based settings in the capital of Saudi Arabia Riyadh. The second stage was embracement of the laboratory investigation that included Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), DNA extraction, PCR, nested-PCR assay, and genotyping of the seropositive cases. Results: 203 women agreed to take part in our study with a response rate of 81.2% (203/250). Using ELISA, we found that the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies was 32.5% and 6.4%, respectively. We found that 29 samples (80.6%) were of genotype II; however 7 samples (19.4%) were of genotype III. Conclusion: Defining the population structure of T. gondii from Saudi Arabia has important implications for transmission, immunogenicity, pathogenesis, and in planning preventive strategies. Relationship between such variation in structure and disease manifestation in pregnant women is still difficult to assess due to the role of host immune status and genetic background on the control of infection, and of other parasitic features such as the infecting dose or parasite stage. Our finding of the genotyping of T. gondii might facilitate and inform future studies on comparative genomics and identification of genes that control important biological phenotypes including pathogenesis and transmission among Saudi women.

Gestational diabetes among Saudi women: prevalence, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThe prevalence of gestational diabetes (GDM) has increased recently worldwide, mainly due to adoption of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of GDM in Saudi women and to assess risk factors and pregnancy outcomes using the IADPSG criteria.DESIGN AND SETTINGA prospective descriptive study of pregnant Saudi women presenting at the Maternity and Children Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia, between October 2011 and June 2014.METHODSFasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and random plasma glucose concentrations were obtained for all participants at the first antenatal visit. In women with normal results, screening for GDM was performed at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation, with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Women who had GDM were treated with diet, exercise, and insulin as needed. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded after delivery. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess possible risk factors for GDM.RESULTSEarly screenings showed abnormal glucose in 211 of 954 women (22.1%). In 445 women, the OGTT showed GDM in 183 women (39.4%). GDM cases identified by OGTT and by early screening increased the rate of GDM to 51% (292 women). Older maternal age, higher body mass index, higher blood pressure, past GDM, history of delivering a malformed child, and family history of diabetes were the main risk factors for GDM. GDM increased the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (OR 9.353), low Apgar score (OR 5.546), and induction of labor (OR 2.33). The newborns of GDM mothers had a higher birth weight: 3043 g vs. 2890 g in the non-GDM group (P=.004). Other maternal and neonatal outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of GDM is high among Saudi women. Timely and effective treatment reduces perinatal morbidity and improves outcomes.

Patterns of folic acid use in pregnant Saudi women and prevalence of neural tube defects — Results from a nested case–control study

BackgroundAlthough the role of folic acid (FA) in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) is well documented, its optimal intake in pregnant women is still low in many countries. Here, we prospectively studied the prevalence of NTDs in the newborns and the patterns of FA intake in pregnant Saudi mothers. MethodsThis case–control study was nested within a 3-year project (July 2010 to June 2013) to study the patterns of birth defects in the offspring of Saudi women who received their antenatal care and delivered at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh—Saudi Arabia. Enrolled mothers were divided into 4 groups: group 1 (FA taken before pregnancy and continued regularly after conception), group 2 (FA taken post-conception), group 3 (no FA intake), and group 4 (did not remember or were unsure of taking FA). Control mothers were randomly selected from those with normal first obstetrical ultrasound scan at 18–22weeks of gestation. ResultsThe cohort included 30,531 mothers giving birth to 28,646 infants. We studied 1179 mothers of babies with birth defects (BDs) and 1262 control mothers. There were 237 (9.7%) mothers in-group 1; 2001 (82%) in-group 2; 154 (6.3%) in-group 3; and 49 (2%) in-group 4. There were 49 babies with NTDs, a prevalence of 1.7/1000 total births. Among the studied mothers 2274 (93%) took FA either full or partial course. ConclusionThe high prevalence of NTDs and the low optimal FA intake highlight the need for a strict implementation of staple food fortification and health education program for Saudi women.

The genetic polymorphism in the STK11 does not affect gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity that develops during pregnancy. Recent studies indicate that GDM onset is rapid, and that women with GDM will develop other metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in their future. Serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) is engaged in the insulin signaling pathway and encoded protein is an important activator of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase. Based on the previously reported association between the STK11 gene and diabetes, we aimed to investigate whether the rs8111699 polymorphism in STK11 has any role in gestation diabetes in Saudi women. In this case-control study, we recruited pregnant Saudi women based on biochemical analysis of their blood samples. Genomic DNA was obtained from confirmed subjects (200 GDM cases and 300 non-GDM). PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to detect the C528G polymorphism in the STK11 gene. The anthropometric and clinical data were similar between the GDM and non-GDM subjects (p > 0.05), whereas the biochemical analysis was significantly different between the cases and controls (p < 0.05). The genotype and allele frequencies between of the STK11 gene were not statistically significant difference between the GDM and non-GDM groups (OR=0.82; 95% CI:=0.6-1.0; p=0.12). Our study suggests that the rs8111699 polymorphism has no role in the development of GDM in pregnant Saudi women.

Awareness and use of folic acid in a clinic-based Saudi pregnant population

Background: Neural tube defects are amongst the most common birth defects worldwide. Many of the patients in our primary care clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were not aware of the importance of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate current level of awareness, use and understanding of FA supplementation in pregnant Saudi women. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Two hundred and fifty four Saudi pregnant women were surveyed. They were asked about the use and benefits of folic acid before and during pregnancy. This information was collected during regular office visits to the Family Medicine Department at our hospital over a period of 1-year. Questionnaires were completed by the physicians at the patient's initial clinic visit. Results : 85.4% of the pregnant women were under 35 and 14.6% were over 35. 66% of the studied group started folic acid when they realized they were pregnant; only 22% started before conception. Around 50% of the women gave the correct reason for taking folic acid. Conclusion: There is a definite need to increase the level of awareness in Saudi ladies of the importance of taking folic acid in the preconception period. This can be done during visits for premarital screening and well-woman checks.

Sex differences in regional specialisation across the placental surface

There may be regional specialisation in structure and function across the placental surface. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the length and the breadth of the placental surface at birth were highly correlated, but the breadth was more closely associated with the size of the baby. To replicate this we studied 321 pregnant Saudi women in the town of Baish. We measured the size of the newborn babies and their placentas.The association of the length and breadth of the placental surface on the baby's body size differed in boys and girls. Among boys the breadth had a stronger association with all birth measurements except crown–heel length. This was similar to the findings in Riyadh. Placental surface length was related to crown–heel length. For each centimetre in surface length, crown–heel length increased by 0.27 cm (95% CI 0.09–0.44, p = 0.004). Among girls placental surface breadth was related to crown–heel length, whereas surface length was related to birth weight, head and thigh circumferences. For each centimetre in surface breadth, crown–heel length increased by 0.33 cm (0.13–0.53, p = 0.001).We conclude that, within Saudi Arabia, there are both geographical and sex differences in regional specialisation across the placental surface. In the adverse circumstances of Baish, linked to the mothers' short stature, boys were smaller at birth than girls. Boys may have compensated for under-nutrition by increasing the depth of spiral artery invasion rather than by recruiting additional spiral arteries. Girls may have had more effective regional specialisation across the placental surface.

Effect of Incubation Temperature and Human Serum on Yeast to Hyphal Morphogenesis in Vaginal Candida albicans and its Correlation to Virulence Markers

Aims: To investigate the effect of human serum, starvation and /or variation in incubation temperature on yeast and pseudo-hyphae and/ or hyphal cell differentiation in vaginal Candida albicans strains and, its correlation to exoenzymes productivity. Study Design: A total of 31 C. albicans strains previously isolated from high vaginal swab specimens of pregnant Saudi women, as well as the C. albicans QC strain ATCC 10231 were recruited from Brain Heart Infusion-glycerol stock cultures(-80oC) & included in the study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2013 and December 2013. Methodology: Each of thirty one vaginal C. albicans strains and the QC strain (ATCC Original Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 4(7): 798-812, 2014 799 10231) was grown in Modified Sabouraud Broth (MSB) at 25oC and at 37oC with or without addition of 20 % human serum; and morphological growth was observed at 2 hours intervals by phase contrast microscopy. Selected C. albicans strains that showed ability and/or weak-ability of yeast-hyphal transition were also tested for their exo-hydrolytic enzymes of phospholipase, and proteinase as caseinase, & gelatinase, and coagulase, virulence markers. Results: Showed that at 25oC 28/31(90.3%) strains were non filamentous, 3/31(9.6%) strains were moderately filamentous, and 0.0% strong filamentous, in comparison, at 37oC those numbers were 19/31(61.3%), 10/31(32.3%), and 2/31 (6.4%) respectively, suggesting that mere increase in temperature from 25oC to 37oC remarkably increases yeast morphogenesis to filamentous forms. Such increase was significantly (P<0.001) more pronounced upon the addition of 20% serum at either incubation temperature of 25oC or 37oC as expected. Generally the presence of serum and/or incubation at high temperature (37oC), speeds off hyphal growth formation. Additionally, results also showed that 8/31 (25.8%) strains exhibited transition to hyphal forms only in presence of serum, whereas 7/31 (22.6%), apparently lost their capacity to switch to hyphal forms even in presence of serum and/or at temperature of 37oC incubation. In contrast three strains 3/31, (9.7%) expressed such ability of filamentous growth in presence or absence of serum at 37oC as well as 25oC. These strains also showed enhanced secretion of exoenzymes. Therefore, these strains would be the most virulent ones. Whereas those strains (7/31, 22.6%) that did not show filamentous growth at any of the examined growth conditions would be considered as less virulent strains. However, considering the limited number of strains tested in this study, these findings require further substantiation by large sample size and in vivo animal studies. Conclusion: Results obtained suggest that vaginal C. albicans strains are heterogenous in their potency to switch from yeast to hyphae. Strains which show morphogenesis in absence of serum and/or at low temperature (25oC) exhibit higher exoenzymes activity suggesting that these strains are more pathogenic.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) among pregnant women visiting primary health care (PHC) in Makkah

Background: Passive smoking is defined as involuntary exposure to environmental tobacco smoke1. Passive smoking, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or second hand smoke (SHS) all carry the same meaning. The problem of passive smoking in pregnancy remains underappreciated by both healthcare workers and the public. It is important to detect SHS among pregnant ladies and educate the women about it during the antenatal care visit which may lead to better outcome on future babies and it is found that there are limited researches in Saudi Arabia to assess SHS among pregnant women. Aims & Objective: To assess the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge of ETS exposure among Saudi pregnant women in Makkah. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out among primary health care centers (PHC), Makkah region, in Saudi Arabia in 2012. A sample of 400 participants was selected randomly. The tool of the study was self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of passive smoking among studied population was 45.8% and the associated significant factors were smoker husbands, low education, low income, resident in governmental houses and lack of knowledge about passive smoking hazards. Conclusion: This study revealed that prevalence of SHS among pregnant women was relatively in the average as compared to reported rates in other non-Saudi population. This study raised the importance of education about passive smoking hazards and their implication on occurrence of SHS among pregnant ladies. Both pregnant women and their husbands are in need for educational programs regarding passive smoking hazards.

Knowledge, Expectations and Source of Information of Pregnant Saudi Women Undergoing Second Trimester Ultrasound Examination

Background: In Saudi Arabia, most antenatal units offer routine Ultrasound Scan (USS) in early and mid-trimester of pregnancy. USS examination is essential source of information for the obstetrical management of the pregnancy as well as a source of joy and reassurance for the mother about the wellbeing of her baby. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the obstetrics ultrasound department at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the knowledge of the mothers about the purpose of the USS, their expectations and the source of the information provided to them about the mid-trimester USS examination in addition to the respondents demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables. Association between women’s source of information and educational level was analyzed with chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: 600 women consented and completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were 21-30 years of age and (51.4%) had university education or higher while only 1.8% of the respondents were illiterate. 28-30% of the respondents thought the purpose of the scan is to know the gender of the baby or to confirm that the baby is alive. Only 20% of the respondents reported purposes of the USS examination was to screen for congenital malformations. The obstetrician was the main source of information and the nurse was the least. The utilization of any source of information about USS examination increased with the increase of the level of maternal education. Conclusion: Saudi mothers’ knowledge about the purpose of mid-trimester USS is modest. Utilization of healthcare providers other than the obstetrician and contemporary technology for information provision will improve mothers’ knowledge and choices and put them at the center of health care.