Year: 2025 | Month: April | Volume: 15 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 36-41
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250405
Ever-Evolving Importance of the 11 to 13+6 Weeks Fetal Ultrasonography
Dr. Priyanka Dahiya1, Dr. Vimla Dahiya2
1Associate Professor, Dept. Of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kalpana Chawla Government medical college, Karnal. (Haryana)
2Senior Consultant and Director, Bharat hospital, Sector-14, Sonipat. (Haryana)
Corresponding Author: Dr. Vimla Dahiya
ABSTRACT
Introduction: First trimester anomaly scan is a widely accepted tool for detecting aneuploidies and early fetal structural defects not detected by NIPT. Combined screening by maternal age, NT and Dual marker test is a powerful tool for fetal screening.
Aim: To examine the performance of 11 to 13+6 weeks fetal scan for detecting aneuploidies, early structural defects and maternal risk assessment of developing complications. Study was also directed to assess the maternal and fetal outcomes after early detection and interventions.
Methodology: It was a prospective observational study over 6 and half years including 847 pregnant women between 11 to 13+6 weeks gestation. The study participants were offered combined screening (NT scan + Dual Marker test) and followed up till delivery.
Results: Thirteen high risk cases (1.4%) were referred to fetal medicine specialist. CVS was done in 9 patients out of which trisomy21 was confirmed in 0.1%, turner’s syndrome in 0.1% and amniocentesis confirmed trisomy18 in 0.1%. Uterine Artery PI was raised in 35 patients (4%) adding Aspirin helped prevention of pre-eclampsia in 18 patients (51.4%). 215(24.5%) women were at increased risk of FGR, adding Aspirin and high protein diet prevented FGR in 46.9% cases. 2.2% cases were at increased risk of preterm delivery and addition of vaginal progesterone prevented preterm delivery in 45% cases.
Conclusion: The use of a standardized protocol improves the sensitivity of first-trimester ultrasound screening for early structural defects and aneuploidies. By early intervention in patients at increased risk of development of PE, FGR and PTD, perinatal morbidity and mortality can be reduced.
Key words: First trimester, Combined screening, aneuploidies, nuchal translucency.