Guidance for OB Ultrasound Technicians
It is devastating when you have a patient with a baby whose heart has stopped beating. We want to share some suggestions from bereaved parents to help you better support these families in the moment.
What to do and say
Show compassion
Remain calm
Be honest with the parent(s) about what is going on, “I can’t find a heartbeat and am going to get a doctor” or “I’m concerned with what I see, I would like to have a doctor take a look. This must be very scary, but we are right here with you”
Tell them how long they will be waiting for the doctor
If there is a screen on the wall, ask the parent(s) if they would like you to turn it off while you are getting the doctor
When the doctor is in the room, ask if they would like to see the baby on the screen and/or have any additional photos
Say that you are sorry
Offer to hold the mother’s hand
If the mother is alone, ask if you can call someone for her
If there are other children in the room, look for ways you can distract them while the parents are processing what is happening
What not to do
Don’t act like the problem is a secret
Don’t avoid or change the subject
If one or more of multiples has passed
Stop what you are doing and follow the instructions above
Do not act like nothing has happened and only focus on the living baby
The baby who has passed is still their baby - offer for them to look at him/her on the screen
Offer to take some pictures of all of the babies (this is especially important if the baby(s) won’t be delivered right then and this is the last time to see their baby’s facial features, as appearance will significantly change by delivery)
If you are scanning a Pregnant After Loss (PAL) mother
Acknowledge that PAL is filled with high anxiety and trauma
Start the scan with the heartbeat so the parents can relax
Talk through the scan, rather than be silent (silence is a trigger from their previous stillbirth)
If you have a concern during the scan, tell the parent and get a doctor