Obstetric Ultrasound

Primary Uses

• Diagnosis and confirmation of early pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
• Determination of gestational age and assessment of fetal size
• Diagnosis of fetal malformation
• Placental localization
• Confirmation of intrauterine death
• Confirmation of fetal presentation in uncertain cases
• Evaluating fetal movements, tone and breathing in the Biophysical Profile
• Diagnosis of uterine and pelvic abnormalities during pregnancy, e.g. fibromyomata and ovarian cyst

Fetal body measurements reflect the gestational age of the fetus. This is particularly true in early gestation. In patients with uncertain last menstrual periods, such measurements must be made as early as possible in pregnancy to arrive at a correct dating for the patient. In the latter part of pregnancy measuring body parameters will allow assessment of the size and growth of the fetus and will greatly assist in the diagnosis and management of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).