The Importance Of Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans In Emergencies
Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan – An important Tool for maternal Care
Pain and vaginal hemorrhage are the most common symptoms experienced by women with obstetric emergencies. These women comprise 15% of the pregnant population.
It is important to assess these patients early with help of ultrasound scan as soon as the woman presents for best outcomes for mother and baby.
The best approach in assessing a pregnancy emergency situation is a good history, physical examination assisted with an ultrasound scan.
Every obstetric emergencies condition has its own articular ultrasonographic picture. Together with a relevant history
An example of an obstetric emergency is ectopic pregnancy. If the fertilized ovum is implanted outside of the uterus, there is ectopic pregnancy. Cervical ectopic pregnancy is the most feared with characteristic massive and uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Among patients who underwent ultrasound, there are those who showed an adnexal echogenic fluid. This suggests bleeding 93% of the time.
Pregnancy Miscarriage
Pregnancy ultrasound is necessary in the confirmation of early pregnancy miscarriage, and later on, cervical incompetence. Miscarriage may be the result of another condition in the form of cervical incompetence which is the abnormal dilatation of the cervix during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
Abruptio of Placenta
Bleeding behind the placenta, Retroplacental hematoma, as is technically known, can be the outcome of hemorrhage from ruptured placental vessels in abruptio placenta.
Consequentially, there is placental infarction and hemorrhage. The extreme outcome is demise of the baby, and in rare circumstances the mother.
In the vast majority of cases, the woman presents with extreme abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
Women who are in high risk are those with hypertension, had trauma, are cigarette smokers, alcoholic beverage drinkers, or cocaine abusers.
Previous Caesarean Scan Rupture
When an old caesarian scar suddenly re-opens for some reason, this causes uterine dehiscence. A more dire prognosis will result if the full thickness of the uterus is involved.
Retained products of conception
Following birth of the child, the placenta and membranes may be retained in the womb. This dangerous situation may lead to haemorrage, and if the situation is not closely monitored, a grave situation may develop. Bits of placenta may also be retained after a miscarriage. Retained products of conception may be infected or can lead to hemorrhage.
With the aid of ultrasound, these conditions can be diagnosed earlier.
Early treatment may then be instituted to improve prognosis.
Pregnancy ultrasound scan is vital in the diagnosis of emergency maternity related conditions.