Routine prenatal screening during pregnancy

Currently pregnant women in the industrialized parts of the world expect to have an ultrasound of the fetus. There is no clear evidence that ultrasound will decrease perinatal morbidity or mortality in low-risk women [1]. However, the mother's perception is that she will find out if the fetus is “normal” and what the gender is. Often she will bring a partner and/or family members. Universal ultrasound imaging of all pregnancies has not been officially endorsed, particularly in lowrisk women; however 60–70% of women develop a medical indication resulting in a prenatal ultrasound [2]. Several bodies (the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine [AIUM], the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology [ACOG], and the American College of Radiology [ACR]) agree on the indications for ultrasound in pregnancy and the minimum requirement of images, regardless of who performs the studies: radiologists or obstetricians. Prenatal ultrasound may improve specific pregnancy outcomes indirectly. For example, ultrasound may: (1) identify congenital anomalies to allow for the option of termination or appropriate delivery or management at specialized centers; (2) accurately date the gestation in case of preterm delivery; (3) best recognize multiple gestations, as well as significant growth disturbances.