Ultrasound in Pregnancy

This chapter provides the background information of the ultrasound, and discusses its indications, the transvaginal ultrasound procedure, transabdominal ultrasound procedure, ultrasound-guided procedures and the 3D/4D ultrasound. Ultrasound has revolutionized the field of obstetrics. It has proven critical to determining accurate pregnancy dating and in the diagnosis of fetal anomalies, multiple gestations, fetal malpresentation, cervical shortening, and abnormal placentation. Ultrasound-guided procedures and 3D/4D ultrasound may be employed for diagnostic or treatment purposes in pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound is ideal for obtaining high resolution images of early pregnancy, cervix, and adnexal structures. Transabdominal ultrasound is ideal for evaluating the fetal anatomy in the second trimester and estimation of fetal growth in the third trimester as well as fetal presentation. In the absence of suspected abnormality for which 3D/4D ultrasound may provide useful clinical information, routine “keepsake” ultrasounds are not recommended.