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Antenatal ultrasonography in Dunedin: one year's data
T Buckenham1, G G Spears, R L Teele
1Department of Radiology, Dunedin Hospital.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|March 27, 1991
Summary
Antenatal ultrasonography is now routine for pregnancies reaching term, with 74% of women having scans. Fetal anomalies, such as central nervous system defects and hydroenphrosis, were found to be rare.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Antenatal ultrasonography is a key diagnostic tool in modern obstetrics.
- Assessing the prevalence of fetal anomalies and the utilization of antenatal ultrasound is crucial for evaluating obstetric care standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit the use of antenatal ultrasonography in a defined population.
- To determine the incidence of major fetal anomalies in pregnancies carried to term.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective audit of 2045 registered pregnancies over one calendar year.
- Analysis of ultrasonographic study frequency and major fetal anomaly rates (central nervous system, hydroenphrosis).
Main Results:
- 74% of pregnancies resulting in livebirths or stillbirths (1585 pregnancies) included at least one ultrasonographic study.
- The incidence of major central nervous system anomalies was 0.4%, and hydroenphrosis was 0.7%.
- 10.9% of women undergoing therapeutic abortion had ultrasonographic studies.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal ultrasonography is nearly routine for pregnancies carried to term.
- The observed rates of major fetal anomalies are comparable to larger studies, suggesting effective screening and diagnosis.