Value of ultrasound during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy

Ultrasound is a recently introduced technique that allows repeated noninvasive imaging of the uterus, ovaries and associated structures. It offers a relatively simple method for the repeated examination of the abdominal organs including growing fetuses, and is increasingly being used to measure blood flow in the identification of disease states. The clinical applications of real time pelvic ultrasonography are principally in the field of gynaecology to assess anatomical normality, and to monitor the progress of natural and stimulated cycles in assisted reproductive techniques. Once infertility treatment has been successful, ultrasound has proved to have a great value, when combined with established endocrinological parameters, to monitor the development of pregnancy, and the normality of fetal growth.