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Basic Ultrasound
The “basic” obstetrical sonogram is a routine prenatal screening ultrasound scan that is typically performed between 18-22 weeks of gestation using a trans-abdominal probe. A basic scan does not require an extensive anatomic analysis of the mother and fetus, and the minimal elements of evaluation include:
- Uterus and cervix
- Adnexal evaluation, when feasible
- Fetal number
- Presence of cardiac activity and movement
- Fetal presentation
- Qualitative assessment of amniotic fluid volume
- Placental location and number of cord vessels
- Gestational age assessment using several fetal measurements
- Third trimester estimated fetal weight
- Anatomic survey of fetal organs: cerebral ventricles, posterior fossa with cerebellar diameter, four-chamber view of the fetal heart, stomach, kidneys and bladder, cord insertion site and ventral wall and spine