ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: First-trimester ultrasound is widely accepted as part of standard care in many countries. With improvements in equipment, expertise and increasing number of technical studies describing imaging techniques, the detection rate for major fetal anomalies in the first trimester continues to rise and can be as high as 60% in high-risk populations. METHODS: We set out to create a systematic pictorial guide for trained ultrasound providers to describe the common anatomical structures that are identifiable in the first trimester with provided images. In addition to normal anatomical structures, a number of anomalies with high detection rates are listed. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the major fetal abnormalities can be detected in the first trimester. A systematic approach is essential to ensure that anomalies are equally likely to be detected for patients of any risk background.
ABSTRACT
Pre-eclampsia is a common condition that affects 2-5% of pregnancies and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity, and cost to the healthcare system. In those at high risk for pre-eclampsia, interventions such as aspirin intake have been shown to reduce prevalence of disease. However, to implement these interventions, it is essential that high-risk women be identified early in pregnancy. A combined first trimester screening model for pre-eclampsia that includes maternal history, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler and PlGF has been shown to be the most effective at identifying the population at greatest risk of pre-eclampsia. This article will explore the most appropriate methods of measuring the components of first trimester screening and discuss the use of aspirin for prevention of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.