First Trimester Obstetrical Ultrasound



Patient Story





A 22-year-old woman presents with no menstrual period for approximately 2 months (she has irregular menses.) She is complaining of morning sickness but is otherwise feeling well. A urine pregnancy test confirms she is pregnant. Figure 77-1 shows a fetus of 9 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA).







Figure 77-1



Ultrasound examination of a fetus of 9 weeks estimated gestational age. The ultrasound was performed with a vaginal probe and the membranes are visible. (Courtesy of E.J. Mayeaux, Jr., MD.)







Introduction





Obstetrical ultrasound has become a vital tool in our ability to properly care for the pregnant patient. Vast technologic improvements have made visualization of the pregnancy even better and improved our diagnostic capabilities, ranging from the normal pregnancy to the extremely early ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasonography (US) allows for a relatively detailed assessment of fetal gestational age, development, number of fetuses, and anatomy in utero. Most pregnancies in the United States undergo ultrasound imaging for various indications.






Epidemiology






  • Women who receive antenatal care have lower maternal and perinatal mortality and better pregnancy outcomes.1 However, the optimal components of prenatal care have not been rigorously examined in well-designed studies.
  • In the United States in 2003, 84.1% of pregnant women obtained prenatal care in the first trimester, and only 3.5% received no care or initiated prenatal care in the third trimester.






Etiology and Pathophysiology





Jun 5, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on First Trimester Obstetrical Ultrasound

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