The Value of Routine Ultrasound in the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Routine obstetric ultrasound during early pregnancy has transformed prenatal care by improving gestational dating accuracy, identifying fetal and maternal abnormalities, and enhancing perinatal outcomes. Early assessment is critical for optimal management, particularly in high-risk pregnancies. This study evaluated the clinical utility of routine ultrasonography at initial antenatal visits during the first and second trimesters.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 2005 to June 2006. A total of 203 pregnant women in their first or second trimester attending their initial antenatal clinic visit were enrolled. Examinations included obstetric history, physical examination, and ultrasound scan. Gestational age, fetal viability, number of fetuses, anatomical abnormalities, and clinical findings were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Of 203 participants, 194 (95.57%) had viable pregnancies. Significant findings were detected by ultrasound in 130 cases (64.04%), including missed abortion (2.96%), molar pregnancy (0.98%), ectopic pregnancy (0.49%), and multiple gestations (4.43%). Discrepancies between menstrual and ultrasound dating occurred in 47.78% of cases. 72.22% of women with certain LMPs had ultrasound dates earlier than the reported LMP. Physical examination detected only 29.23% of abnormalities confirmed by ultrasound.
Conclusion: Routine ultrasound at first antenatal visit provides critical diagnostic information, improves gestational dating accuracy, and identifies potentially life-threatening conditions early. Integrating early ultrasonography into routine prenatal care can enhance maternal and fetal outcomes.