Designed and created by Guideline Central in participation with the World Health Organization
Maternal and Fetal Assessment Update: Imaging Ultrasound Before 24 Weeks of Pregnancy
Patient Guideline Summary
Publication Date: March 28, 2022
Last Updated: March 2, 2023
Objective
Objective
This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) for an ultrasound before 24 weeks of pregnancy. It is limited to adults 18 years of age and older and should not be used as a reference for children.
Overview
Overview
- The World Health Organization proposes standards of care for medical conditions to guide local healthcare workers and institutions.
- This patient summary focuses on the use of ultrasound imaging before the 24th week of pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- The World Health Organization recommends one ultrasound scan before 24 weeks of gestation.
- Benefits to maternal care may include:
- Reduced maternal mortality
- Early evaluation of the need for a Caesarean section
- A more accurate gestational age
- Reduced need for labor induction
- Detection of multiple pregnancies
- Detection of fetal anomalies
- Reassurance for the mother
- Detection of fetal death
- Benefits to infant care may include:
- Reduced fetal mortality
- A more accurate estimate of fetal growth rate
- Detection of fetal anomalies
- Benefits to maternal care may include:
- Because ultrasound is harmless, the WHO believes an ultrasound image provides an overall enhancement to the pregnancy experience.
Source Citation
WHO antenatal care recommendations for a positive pregnancy experience. Maternal and fetal assessment update: imaging ultrasound before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Disclaimer
The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.