Ultrasound in Pregnancy

The mid-pregnancy ultrasound assessment(cont.)

5. Screening for preterm labour - Preterm labour and delivery is one of the biggest causes of death and handicap in the newborn (see common obstetric problems). A weak cervix or neck of the womb (see www.gynaesurgeon.co.uk, Anatomy & Physiology) is one cause of preterm labour. Ultrasound measurement of the cervix between 20 and 26 weeks can be helpful in spotting some of the women that will deliver their baby early.

Scanning in the second half of pregnancy

In the U.K. the majority of women will have had an ultrasound scan to confirm viability, number of fetuses and to check for any obvious anomalies (first trimester scan). The purpose of scanning in the second half of pregnancy is to help diagnose and manage pregnancies at risk of obstetric complications. We use ultrasound to:

1. Measure the fetus and assess growth.

2. Assess fetal wellbeing by looking at fetal movement and liquor (amniotic fluid) volume (3trim1)

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