CPG

Ultrasound as part of routine prenatal care

PUBLISHED: April 1998	REVISED:January 2008
TOPIC: Prenatal	SCOPE: Diagnostic Screening
ABSTRACT: This guideline presents a critical appraisal of the evidence based on information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of routinely offering women prenatal ultrasound, assists with determining the optimal gestational age for performing ultrasound in the context of routine prenatal care and in helping patients make an informed decision about having a second trimester diagnostic prenatal ultrasound examination.
TARGET POPULATION: Women in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy
EXCLUSIONS: This guideline does not apply to the use of ultrasound for selective indications which may include: • Assessment in the first trimester • Assessment of fetal well-being in the third trimester • Assessment of fetal growth • Investigating and monitoring of multiple gestations. • Investigation of suspected congenital anomalies beyond the second trimester • Aid to invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures • Investigation of size-dates discrepancies beyond the second trimester • Assessment of post term pregnancy • Investigation of fetal status in pre-term labour or pre-labour rupture of membranes

Summary: Ultrasound as Part of Routine Prenatal Care

Guideline: Ultrasound as Part of Routine Prenatal Care

Patient Information: Prenatal Ultrasound

Working Group

A multi-disciplinary team composed of:

Family Physicians
Obstetricians
Perinatologist
Neonatologists
Geneticist
Radiologist
Pathologist
Sonographer
Midwife
Prenatal Educator
Consumer
Alberta Health and Wellness representative