Sonographic criteria for assessment of pregnancies and prediction of miscarriages in first trimester

Transvaginal ultrasound provides an early and accurate technique to assess first trimester pregnancy. Beginning with the demonstration of an intrauter ine gestational sac, sonography enables further evaluation of normal pregna ncy development, such as identification of the embryo, visualization of the yolk sac, and the presence of fetal cardiac activity as a reassurance of f etal viability. Furthermore it allows closed sonographic monitoring of earl y intrauterine pregnancy and distinction between normal and abnormal develo pment of pregnancy. A prediction in terms of pregnancy outcome can be made regarding pregnancy complications or specific risks like Vaginal bleeding, the demonstration of intrauterine hematoma, advanced maternal age, early gr owth delay or fetal bradycardia.