Transvaginal Ultrasound in Obstetric Practice

Abstract

Ultrasound is an important diagnostic aid in modern obstetrics and has contributed greatly to the im- provement in perinatal outcome over recent decades. Initially, ultrasound was looked upon in obstetrics with skepticism because the quality of the information was dubious, and there were some concerns regarding its safety for the fetus. Gradually these concerns were muted as detrimental effects were not identified, and thus ultrasound could be used whenever clinically indicated. Conventional tran sabdominal sonography is frequently used in pregnant patients. However, technological advances in sonographic imaging are continuing, the most re cent being the application of intracavi tary scanning, particularly transvaginal sonography. The use of “high frequen- cy” transvaginal probes result in im proving resolving capacities to allow earlier and more difinite diagnosis than the conventional transabdominal techniques.