An evaluation of routine early pregnancy ultrasonography

Abstract

A review of 1 000 pregnancies in which routine early pregnancy scanning was performed is reported. Ultrasound predicted accurately (to within +/- 14 days) the date of confinement in more than 90% of women who were unsure of their dates. Clinical estimation of gestation age compared well with ultrasound report in 90% of singleton pregnancies. Scanning diagnosed 3 out of 4 lethal congenital abnormalities in early pregnancy. The diagnosis of multiple pregnancy and placenta praevia have no immediate clinical implication in early pregnancy. Early pregnancy scan is recommended for women who are uncertain of their last menstrual period and for those with identified early pregnancy risks. Routine use of ultrasonography in early pregnancy should be related to the identified need of the population served and should be employed with caution. Where the policy of routine scanning is adopted, optional information is obtained when the procedure is carried out between the 14th and 18th week of gestation. Clinical pelvic examination in early pregnancy remains a valuable practice for the estimation of gestational age.