[Vaginal sonography in the diagnosis of early pregnancy]

In this study is reported on 401 transvaginal sonographic examinations in first trimenon of pregnancy. There were interpreted biometrical and functional findings. With 5 weeks p.m., chorion cavity can be identified by a transvaginal scan probe reaching a diameter of 3-8 mm. The vital embryo is recognized by its cardiac action with a embryonic length of 3 mm at the end of 6 weeks post menstruation. Thus with transvaginal sonography, details of embryonic development in the first trimester are visible 1-2 weeks earlier than with abdominal ultrasound examination. It is possible to estimate embryonic and trophoblastic structures of early gestation and to recognize non-viable early pregnancies.