The Role of Routine Ultrasonography in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: In the early stages of pregnancy, ultrasound is an extremely specific method for examination. This article reviews how the normal development of a baby in the first trimester of pregnancy relates to ultrasound findings. Aim: To highlight the importance of routine ultrasonography in the first trimester of pregnancy in detecting and dating gestation, its viability and early detection of anomalies and complications Methods: This descriptive study involved 100 pregnant women within 12 weeks of gestation attending antenatal clinic at Saveetha Medical college, during the study period Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant women with history of amenorrhea <12 weeks of gestation. Exclusion criteria: Individuals with history of pain abdomen and bleeding per vaginum Results: A total of 99 pregnancies were intrauterine of which 1 was anembryonic and 2 had early pregnancy failure, 15 pregnancies were redated. One ectopic and one fibroid complicating pregnancy were aslo found. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an effective method to detect and date pregnancy, identify nonviable pregnancies, fetal abnormalities and early trimester complications. Hence it is ideal to use it routinely as screening tool during the first trimester of pregnancy.