Why ultrasounds are useful in the first trimester

Obstetrician Paul Crane, MD, explains why ultrasounds are useful during the first trimester of pregnancy and what first trimester ultrasounds show
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Why ultrasounds are useful in the first trimester

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Ultrasound is very valuable in the first trimester for various reasons. It does allow us to learn many things about the pregnancy. Number one, does allow us to very precisely date the pregnancy, which before ultrasound was frequently off by several weeks at times. Secondly, it does allow us to diagnose spontaneous miscarriages before they actually happen. Thirdly, it allows us to diagnose major malformations, sometimes in the very early stages. In the recent years, we have allowed ultrasound be an important part of diagnosis of Down Syndrome, as the nuchal translucency measurement has come into being, which allows us to screen for an increasing risk of Down Syndrome.

Obstetrician Paul Crane, MD, explains why ultrasounds are useful during the first trimester of pregnancy and what first trimester ultrasounds show

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Paul Crane, MD

Obstetrician

Paul Crane, MD, is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and has practiced for more than 30 years. He specializes in natural childbirth and VBAC births in his practice in Beverly Hills. Paul is the father of six children ranging in age from 18 to 40. In his free time, he enjoys photography. Even after 30 years, one of his favorite things to do is deliver babies. 

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Transcription: 
Ultrasound is very valuable in the first trimester for various reasons. It does allow us to learn many things about the pregnancy. Number one, does allow us to very precisely date the pregnancy, which before ultrasound was frequently off by several weeks at times. Secondly, it does allow us to diagnose spontaneous miscarriages before they actually happen. Thirdly, it allows us to diagnose major malformations, sometimes in the very early stages. In the recent years, we have allowed ultrasound be an important part of diagnosis of Down Syndrome, as the nuchal translucency measurement has come into being, which allows us to screen for an increasing risk of Down Syndrome.