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Canadian Family Physician logoLink to Canadian Family Physician
. 1992 Jan;38:121–128.

Value and Limitations of Obstetrical Ultrasound

Uncovering abnormalities at earlier stages

Phillip J Switzer, Catherine A James, Monica A Frettag
PMCID: PMC2145611  PMID: 21229124

Abstract

First-trimester ultrasound examination is of value to establish dates or assess fetal viability in cases of bleeding but provides limited information on the well-being of the fetus. At between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation, examination of fetal anatomy allows many abnormalities to be detected. Third-trimester ultrasound examination is predominantly for follow up of growth and normal development or of any abnormalities seen earlier.

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Selected References

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