Obstetric ultrasound imaging : evaluating the relevance of transvaginal and transabdominal scanning.

Abstract

Embryology, which is the study of growth, function and development of a conceptus from fertilisation to birth, has to be monitored by means of some sort of scanning technique. The objective of this study was, to determine the role of scanning in obstetrics. Through the literature search, it was found that ultrasound (U/S) is the preferred way of scanning and nowadays, this may be achieved by means of two different techniques, namely transvaginal scanning (TVS) and transabdominal scanning (TAS). Both techniques are beneficial, infact sometimes one is of more benefit than the other, and vice versa, depending on certain circumstances. The choice depends on the target organs and the stage of pregnancy reached. In general, TVS is the preferred technique during the first and early second trimester due to its ability to visualise early pregnancies as well as small fetal parts. As the fetus grows however, TVS becomes less helpful and is then replaced by TAS.