Table 2.

Categories and their sub-categories

Categories	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