[Training midwives in developing countries in obstetric ultrasonography: goals and application]

Obstetric ultrasonography is one of the most important advances in antenatal and obstetric emergency care. As part of the program designed to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, it can provide real patient benefit and should become a standard procedure in developing countries. The midwife is the ideal health worker to practice first level obstetric ultrasonography. Appropriate material can be procured and of specific training can be organized at a moderate cost. Several difficulties are encountered, but there is a solution for each. The concept of the training program is particularly important.