Obstetrics

Ultrasound (sonography) is a non-invasive imaging modality which is used in obstetrics in order to visualize the fetus on a screen before birth.

The method is harmless, non-invasive and easily accessible. For all these reasons it has widespread clinical application in modern obstetrics.

Implementation of ultrasound into clinical practice is has read to the rapid development of contemporary prenatal care.

• Diagnosis of early pregnancy and its potential complications;
• Diagnosis of gynecological disease during pregnancy - uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, adnexal formations, etc.;
• Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy and its potential complications, ultrasound assessment of chorionicity, etc.;
• Fetal biometry - measurement of various fetal parameters with correlation to the gestational age (head, abdomen, long bones, etc.).

• Fetal anatomy survey - the ultrasound examination is the main imaging modality for prenatal diagnosis for various anomaly structural fetal abnormalities. The fetal morphology scan can be performed at different gestational periods. Each fetus should be carefully examined at least three times throughout the course of the pregnancy - at 12-13+6 w.g., 18-23 w.g. and 28-32 w.g.;
• Ultrasound screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities - prenatal detection of certain sonographic markers and/or structural defects increases the risk of an associated fetal chromosomal abnormality. For example, the increased fetal nuchal translucency in the first trimester increases the risk for associated Down syndrome.

• The ultrasound screening for preterm delivery is based on the sonographic measurement of the cervical length. The examination is carried out transvaginally or transabdominally. The transvaginal measurement is significantly more accurate. The ultrasound screening for preterm delivery can be performed practically during every single scan in obstetrics. It may be also repeated in later gestation. Usually, the cervix is sufficiently long in early pregnancy. Shortening is most often observed at 18-23 w.g. or later.

• Fetal echocardiography (Fetal Echo) is a highly specialized sonographic examination of the fetal heart. It can be performed in different gestational periods. Traditionally, Fetal Echo is planned at around 20-22 w.g., but it is possible to perform it earlier or later in gestation. Early fetal echocardiography is usually indicated in high-risk pregnancies (positive family history for a cardiac malformation, suspected fetal structural heart defect from a previous ultrasound examination, etc.).

• Doppler examination of the blood flow in the maternal-fetal and feto-placental circulation is a highly specialized ultrasound examination that evaluates and monitors the state of the fetus. The test is mainly used as a fool for prenatal screening or for monitoring high-risk pregnancies (complicated with congenital thrombophilia, increased blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus, Rh-isoimmunization, etc.).