VCP 411: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Section

Ultrasonagraphy

ULTRASONOGRAPHY

• Diagnosis of pregnancy using ultra sound waves is based on identifying echoes from gestational sac and fetal structure.

Advantages

• Early pregnancy diagnosis
  • Pregnancy can be diagnosed using ultrasound as early as 25 days
• The approximate age of the fetus can be determined

	The gestational age of the fetus less than 30 days is calculated using the formulae Gestational sac diameter (GSD) X 6 + 20
	The gestational age of the fetus more than 40 days is calculated using the formulae Head Diameter (HD) X 15 + 20

• The fetal viability and movements can be assessed by visualising the heart beat

Limitations

• Expensive equipment
• Trained personnel is required
• Difficult to predict litter size