Radiological Profile of Ultrasonography in First Trimester Bleeding

First-trimester bleeding is a common obstetric problem affecting nearly one-fourth of pregnancies, with causes ranging from benign conditions to serious complications. Ultrasonography, including grayscale and Doppler imaging, plays a key role in early diagnosis.

To evaluate ultrasonographic findings in women presenting with first-trimester bleeding and assess the radiological profile on ultrasound.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry. Eighty-eight antenatal women with vaginal bleeding and gestational age <14 weeks were evaluated using transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography. Fetal viability, crown-rump length, pregnancy location, placental position, uterine artery Doppler, and associated maternal or cervical factors were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

Fetal cardiac activity was present in 83% of cases. Intrauterine pregnancies constituted 86.4%, while ectopic pregnancies accounted for 13.6%. Threatened abortion was the most common diagnosis (37.5%), followed by missed abortion (21.6%). Normal uterine artery Doppler findings were seen in 88.6% of cases, with no significant association between maternal age and pregnancy outcome (P = 0.761).

Ultrasonography is an indispensable, non-invasive tool for evaluating first-trimester bleeding, facilitating accurate diagnosis and timely management.