The diagnostic and therapeutic role of ultrasound in obstetrics

Advances in ultrasound technology and new developments in the field of screening for pregnancy disorders have led to a change in the clinical application of ultrasound in the care of women with normal and complicated pregnancies. This review highlights the validated uses of ultrasound in obstetrics, such as pregnancy dating, screening for aneuploidy, diagnosis of foetal abnormality, placental localization, diagnosis of chorionicity in multiple pregnancy, assessment of foetal growth and well-being and foetal therapy. Knowledge of the scientific basis of the role of ultrasound means more appropriately timed intervention in pathological pregnancies.