FUNDAMENTALS OF EARLY FETAL ULTRASOUND SCREENING

Abstract

Ultrasound examination of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy. In 95% of cases, measurements can be performed using transabdominal scanning; in other cases, transvaginal ultrasound may be required. Equipment should be at least mid-range, preferably with a cineloop mode and the ability to measure tenths of a millimeter. An average examination time of at least 10 minutes allows for confirmation of fetal viability, determination of the number of fetuses, accurate gestational age, detection of gross developmental anomalies, and allows for measurement of the nuchal fold, which, in combination with maternal age, is an important component of screening, allowing for the detection of certain chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy with up to 75% accuracy