2nd and 3rd Trimester Indications for Ultrasound Examination of the Fetus

Sonography can be of benefit in many situations in the second and third trimesters, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:*

1. Estimation of gestational age.

2. Evaluation of fetal growth.

3. Vaginal bleeding.

4. Abdominal/pelvic pain.

5. Incompetent cervix.

6. Determination of fetal presentation.

7. Suspected multiple gestation.

8. Adjunct to amniocentesis.

9. Significant discrepancy between uterine size and clinical dates.

10. Pelvic mass.

11. Suspected hydatidiform mole.

12. Adjunct to cervical cerclage placement.

13. Suspected ectopic pregnancy.

14. Suspected fetal death.

15. Suspected uterine abnormality.

16. Evaluation of fetal well-being.

17. Suspected amniotic fluid abnormalities.

18. Suspected placental abruption.

19. Adjunct to external cephalic version.

20. Premature rupture of membranes and/or premature labor.

21. Abnormal biochemical markers.

22. Follow-up evaluation of a fetal anomaly.

23. Follow-up evaluation of placental location for suspected placenta previa.

24. History of previous congenital anomaly.

25. Evaluation of fetal condition in late registrants for prenatal care.

26. In certain clinical circumstances, a more detailed examination of fetal anatomy may be indicated.
    
    (adapted from National Institutes of Health. Diagnostic Ultrasound, Imaging in Pregnancy: Report of a Consensus. NIH Publication 84-667.Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 1984).