This is written by Avisen Danmark, which has conducted a survey among 21 private scanning clinics in Denmark. Out of the 21 clinics, 18 respond that they are experiencing an increase in the number of pregnant women who have examinations carried out at them.
This also applies to the private scanning clinic Aalborg-Hjørring Graviditet og Scanning, which is owned by Anne Mette Windstrup and Åse Hovalt Christensen. Here you can buy different types of scans for prices between DKK 450 and DKK 1,200.
Photo: Bo Lehm
The clinic opened back in 2006, but it is only within the last three years that Anne Mette and Åse have gone all in on the work in the clinic, and today they both work full-time at the clinics
– I definitely think that demand has increased in the last few years, especially when you look at the supply. When we started, we were almost the only ones in Aalborg, but now there are at least five clinics in the area, says nurse and sonographer Åse Hovalt Christensen.
Early security
As the scans become more and more popular, it is especially the early scans, which can be carried out as early as week 6 of pregnancy, that are in demand.
– What we call a security scan, which we do from week 6, it is the scan that is most in demand. Many pregnant women feel that they are very alone from the moment they test positive until they go in for a nuchal fold scan at week 12. Perhaps some of them have previously experienced the loss of a child during a pregnancy, and therefore they want to have a little more certainty and security, says midwife and sonographer Anne Mette Windstrup.
– The security scan is the most requested, says Anne Mette Windstrup. Photo: Bo Lehm
Colleague Åse also says that some pregnant women experience that they bleed a little in the first part of the pregnancy, but that this does not necessarily trigger a scan at the public office.
– Then they can go to their own doctor, who will take a blood test that can show whether the pregnancy hormone is rising. But the fact that you can see a heartbeat yourself is something that makes most people feel more secure, says Åse.
A package solution
Recently, Aalborg-Hjørring Pregnancy and Scanning has introduced a new initiative.
Now you can buy a scan package containing six scans for DKK 2,200. You can then choose between different types of scans throughout your pregnancy.
The package is called the “Security package” and it was not without misgivings that the package solution became a reality for the scanning clinic.
Because what if a pregnant woman who has bought a package solution undergoes an involuntary abortion or other complications arise during the pregnancy?
– We were probably a bit opposed to it for ethical reasons. Because what do you do if you lose the pregnancy? Should we just say that they bought the package, so it’s just a shame? We can’t do that, says Anne Mette, who nevertheless decided together with Åse to give the package solution a chance.
– There is a demand for it, we can feel it. Therefore, we have decided to give it a try.
– It gives most people peace of mind if they can see a heartbeat, says Åse Hovalt Christensen Photo: Bo Lehm
Åse Hovalt Christensen also points out that it is safe for the pregnant woman that they know the place where they will be scanned and the people who will scan them throughout the pregnancy.
– Then they don’t have to explain the whole process again and again, because then we know each other well in the end. And we also want to give those who come more than once a small discount, so that they don’t pay full price each time, says Åse.
Not a money machine
Although the package solution may sound like a smart idea for the scanning clinic’s finances, both Åse and Anne Mette deny that for them it is all about making money.
They always prioritize the well-being of the pregnant women above everything else, and sometimes guide the pregnant women over the phone without encouraging them to come in for a scan – even if that is what they do for a living.
– We really don’t see it as a money machine. We have a lot of calls every day, where we guide and guide the pregnant women, says Anne Mette, who is supported by her colleague.
Anne Mette Windstrup (th) was initially not much in favor of offering scanning packages, but ended up being persuaded. Photo: Bo Lehm
– We want it to be in order professionally as well, so that we do not invent a need for the pregnant woman to come in for a scan. On the other hand, we often tell them that they should perhaps give it 14 days before they come in for a scan, explains Åse.
– And it’s not just pregnant women with a lot of money who come in here. It’s all types, and many may save up for it or opt for the extra scans because it gives them the peace of mind they need in their pregnancy. After all, the offer for the scans is for all pregnant women.
2024-11-15 19:19:00
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How do ethical standards impact the quality of care for pregnant women in medical services?
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– Our focus is on the well-being of pregnant women, says Anne Mette Windstrup. Photo: Bo Lehm
They emphasize that their role is not merely to perform scans but to provide support and reassurance to pregnant women during a significant time in their lives.
Anne Mette and Åse express their commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and genuinely caring for the health and peace of mind of their patients, rather than viewing their services as just another revenue stream.