Some thoughts on the true value of ultrasound.

Fetal abnormalities, premature birth and impaired placentation account for more than 90% of perinatal deaths. These problems are as common today as they were more than 30 years ago and our failure to reduce their prevalence is essentially the consequence of inadequate methods of screening and lack of effective strategies for their prevention. Extensive research in the last 20 years has now established that ultrasonography can identify the majority of affected fetuses and women at high risk for these problems. The remaining challenge is to ensure that this knowledge finds a practical application in a service for the benefit of pregnant women and forms the basis for further research to develop effective therapeutic interventions.