[Ultrasonic diagnosis of fetal ascites (author's transl)]

Fetal ascites is relatively rare, but confronts the obstetrician with difficult decisions. By X-ray methods such as plain X-ray or fetography fetal ascites may only be suspected. Performing ultrasonic examinations however it is not only possible to detect the fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity but as well to recognize the inducing causes. This is documented by sonograms of three cases observed within the last year. The different decisions for the obstetrician in respect to fetal ascites with or without malformations are discussed.