The importance of first trimester ultrasound of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy (up to the 13th week) is one of the most important and difficult periods, as this is when the baby’s vital organs are formed.

Ultrasound can therefore detect possible pathologies at an early stage as well as various manifestations of hereditary diseases.

Thus, ultrasound in the first trimester aims to :

• calculate the age of a pregnancy (the gestational age);
• determine the location of the fetus and the number of embryos;
• evaluate the quality and quantity of the amniotic fluid;
• diagnose causes of ectopic pregnancy;
• exclude chromosomal anomalies, complex malformations;
• analyze the development of the fetus;
• to analyze the ultrasonic markers of chromosomal anomalies (measurement of the nasal bone, thickness of the nuchal translucency, biparietal diameter);
• exclude malformations of the vital organs (brain, skeleton, heart).

During the first trimester, it is possible to measure the thickness of the nuchal translucency to detect certain chromosomal anomalies such as Down’s syndrome, Patau’s syndrome or Edwards syndrome.

Throughout the pregnancy, using ultrasound data, the doctor monitors the condition and development of the fetus, placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, uterus and its appendages.

It is also during this first ultrasound scan that you will know the approximate date of delivery.

Do you have any further questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.