[Vaginal sonographic follow-up of embryo development]

The clinical study reports on facilities of transvaginal sonography to demonstrate early embryological structures. A collective of 659 sonographical examinations in 593 women between 4. and 13. week of gestation (wog) is described. The earliest imagery of an intrauterine pregnancy could be performed at 28. day post menstruation (p.m.) and first heard beats could be detected at 36./37. day p.m.. The secondary yolk sac could be discovered at the end of 5. wog and first motions of the embryo in 8. wog. Certain structures as parts of the skull, brain and spine were clearly to be differentiated in 10.-12. wog. Transvaginal sonography renders an very early and comprehensive control of regular embryological growth and development. Striking malformations are early detected.