[Transvaginal Doppler study of embryonic heart action in early pregnancy]

Embryonic cardiac activity was observed by means of transvaginal Doppler ultrasound in a period from the 28th through the 78th day after conception (p. c.). We were able to detect a correlation between the embryonic heart rate and the stage of pregnancy as well as a correlation to the crown-rump length. The maternal age did not seem to have any effect on the appearance of embryonic heart activity. The number of registered Doppler echoes did not yield information on embryonic heart development.