Early Ultrasound Fetal Parameters as a Predictor for Pregnancy Outcome: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background Ongoing technological advancements have allowed the resolution of ultrasound imaging in the first trimester to evolve to a level at which early fetal development can be assessed and monitored in detail. Objective To find a relation between first-trimester ultrasound fetal measurements and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Subjects and Methods A prospective observational cohort study conducted on 500 pregnant women at 1st trimester attending ANC clinic of obs& gyne. department of Al-Azhar university hospital (Assiut -Egypt). Ultrasound measurements of early fetal parameter GSD, CRL and YSD at 5-12 weeks of gestation were done. Results of measurements were classified into three classes, class A<10th centile, class B 10th-90th centile and Class C>90th centile. Patients were followed up throughout pregnancy to determine normal and abnormal outcomes in each class. Comparison between different classes was made to show association with abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Results Early fetal ultrasonographic parameters class A & C were significantly associated with 1st, 2nd-trimester abortions, IUFD, APH and PROM (p<0.001) with no significant association between these parameters and other pregnancy outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion Our study emphasizes the role of early ultrasound in predicting abnormal pregnancy outcomes it could be useful to obstetricians to anticipate adverse outcomes and being warned to manage prenatal care and delivery more appropriately. Recommendation Early fetal ultrasound should be used as a tool to predict pregnancy outcome so as to manage prenatal care and delivery more efficiently