Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of 3D-Printed Models and 3D Ultrasonography on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Objective: To determine whether the addition of 3D-printed models improves maternal-fetal attachment in healthy pregnancies more than 3D ultrasonography alone.

Design: Randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial.

Setting: University- and clinic system-affiliated locations in Omaha, Nebraska.

Participants: Between May 2018 and February 2019, 857 pregnant women were screened for inclusion in the study, and 96 women (11%) were randomly assigned to an ultrasonography group (n = 48) or to an ultrasonography plus 3D-printed model group (n = 48).

Methods: Participants completed the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) questionnaire before they received third trimester 3D ultrasonography. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 3D ultrasonography only or 3D ultrasonography plus 3D-printed models of the fetus's face. All participants completed a second MAAS questionnaire approximately 14 days after the study ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the global MAAS score. Secondary outcomes included the MAAS subscale scores.

Results: The time-by-group interaction effect indicated that change in MAAS global score from baseline for the 3D-printed model group was 3.75 points greater than the score for the ultrasonography only group (95% confidence interval [1.40, 6.10], p = .002). Similar results were observed for the subscales with regard to quality of attachment and time spent thinking about the fetus.

Conclusions: The use of fetal facial models resulted in greater increases in maternal-fetal attachment than the use of ultrasonography only. Future research into this new technology to enhance pregnancy outcomes is clearly warranted.