Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(3): 277-283
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1076146
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Early Pregnancy: Normal and Abnormal

Steven R. Goldstein1
  • 1Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 May 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

The understanding of early pregnancy both normal and abnormal as seen by transvaginal ultrasound is an essential skill of any clinician involved in reproductive medicine and infertility. The “sonomicroscopy” of the vaginal probe results from the high level of magnification and close proximity to the structure being studied. In addition, the ability to detect minute levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, often by over-the-counter home pregnancy tests, has caused patients to present to clinicians earlier then ever before. It is essential that the sonologist or sonographer understand what early pregnancy looks like on transvaginal ultrasound and why it looks like that, so that one can distinguish early pregnancies that are normal from those that are absolutely destined to fail. In addition, understanding the use of ultrasound and human chorionic gonadotropin in the modern diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy as well as a newly emerging category of pregnancies of unknown location is essential to clinical practice. This article will review the fundamental principals outlined above.

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Steven R GoldsteinM.D. 

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine

530 First Avenue, Suite 10N, New York, NY 10016

Email: steven.goldstein@med.nyu.edu