Role of Ultrasound in Early Pregnancy

The development of a baby is quite an intricate journey. From the moment that the egg and sperm meet, a baby is beginning the developmental process. This early part of development lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. Ultrasounds can be used to visually monitor the development taking place in the uterus and to measure the progress. In the present study, 100 women in early pregnancy were evaluated sonographically. Along with a detailed history taking to know the LMP and other abnormal symptoms, they were clinically examined thoroughly to find out the duration of pregnancy as well as any complications associated. All the 100 cases were subjected to ultrasonic evaluation routinely; once or more. Some cases were advised for a urinary hCG examination in order to facilitate the provisional diagnosis. Routine screening could detect 60% cases as normal pregnancy without any obvious abnormality whereas abnormal cases like missed abortion (10%), incomplete abortion (7%); ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy etc. constituted the rest 23% in this series. The abnormal pregnancy conditions like ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, multiple pregnancy and pregnancy with ovarian cyst were also better detected by U/S even before the patient became symptomatic.