Routine obstetric ultrasound

Abstract

A detailed review of the literature reveals that routine obstetric ultrasound has value in providing more accurate gestational dating and in the diagnosis of fetal anomalies. The recent RADIUS study, which has concluded that routine obstetric ultrasound is of no clinical benefit, is critically analyzed, focusing on four areas: the applicability of the results to the general population, the appropriateness of the outcome parameters, the quality of the ultrasound provided, and the issue of excessive cost. Finally, an ethical analysis of the role of routine obstetric ultrasonography is provided, focusing on the principles of beneficence and respect for autonomy. The offering obstetric ultrasound is necessary in both beneficence-based and autonomy-based ethical analyses, and the use of routine ultrasound is supported from an analysis of the scientific data.