3^rd trimester ultrasound assessment

Area of Science:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Third-trimester ultrasound's role in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality is debated.
• Current recommendations for routine third-trimester scans show significant disparity.
• Recent studies question the clinical utility and impact of these scans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a systematic third-trimester ultrasound protocol.
• To determine the optimal timing for third-trimester scans (35-37 weeks).
• To assess the impact of standardized protocols on maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Implementing a systematic scan between 35 weeks + 0 days and 36 weeks + 6 days.
• Assessing estimated fetal weight, fetal Doppler (umbilical and middle cerebral artery), placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal anatomy, and presentation.
• Utilizing pre-defined, evidence-based protocols for anomaly detection.

Main Results:

• The systematic approach includes comprehensive fetal and placental assessments.
• High-risk cases may require additional specialized evaluations.
• Standardized protocols are crucial for managing detected anomalies.

Conclusions:

• A systematic third-trimester ultrasound approach, performed between 35-37 weeks, is proposed.
• This systematic evaluation can aid in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality.
• Adherence to evidence-based protocols post-anomaly detection is vital for improving outcomes.