Third trimester ultrasound. A long-standing debate

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Third-trimester ultrasound use in obstetrics is a long-standing debate, influenced by differing American and European trends.
• The primary indication for this ultrasound has been fetal growth restriction detection.
• Secondary indications include detecting fetal abnormalities and evaluating fetal presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the effectiveness of routine third-trimester obstetrical ultrasound.
• To analyze the historical debate surrounding its implementation and impact on perinatal outcomes.
• To provide recommendations for future research and health policy adjustments.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and contemporary studies on third-trimester ultrasound effectiveness.
• Analysis of trends in obstetrical ultrasound policies in America and Europe.
• Examination of evidence regarding the impact of ultrasound on perinatal outcomes, fetal growth restriction, abnormalities, and presentation.

Main Results:

• No study has demonstrated that routine third-trimester ultrasound improves perinatal outcomes.
• Evidence supporting the effectiveness of secondary functions (abnormality detection, presentation evaluation) is also lacking.
• Despite extensive research, health policies in both American and European trends remain largely unchanged.

Conclusions:

• The debate on the effectiveness of routine third-trimester ultrasound persists due to a lack of evidence for improved perinatal outcomes.
• Current health policies have not been significantly altered by existing research.
• Optimization of the test and further studies are recommended for health systems with universal policies to potentially improve benefits and resolve the debate.