The Role of Ultrasound in Detecting Fetal Findings in Pregnant Women
Keywords:
Ultrasound, Fetal, Pregnant Women, Quality–Life QuestionnaireAbstract
Ultrasound screening is widely recommended for detecting congenital defects, multiple pregnancies, fetal development issues, placental abnormalities, and gestational age discrepancies, all of which can improve perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the significance of ultrasound techniques in assessing fetal outcomes in pregnant women. A total of 93 women aged 20 to 42 were examined across hospitals in Iraq between February 2023 and March 2024. Each participant underwent ultrasound screening at 15-22 weeks and 30-35 weeks of gestation, and fetal outcomes were assessed in terms of mortality, morbidity, heart rate, and adverse conditions. The most common age group (31-40 years) included 48 cases, and 20.43% were smokers. Adverse outcomes included 5 infant deaths, 12 cases of moderate morbidity, 4 of severe morbidity, 4 chromosomal abnormalities, 3 cases of oligohydramnios, and 2 of polyhydramnios. Ultrasound, being a safe and non-invasive procedure, offers significant benefits in pregnancy by enabling the early assessment of fetal outcomes, thus improving maternal and infant health.
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