Should Ultrasound Scanning in Pregnancy be Performed by Indication Only?

Authors:

L. Chitty - Institute of Child Health and University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

Key Points

There is little scientific support for routine foetal anomaly scanning using ultrasound.
Detection of foetal abnormalities during the second trimester depends in part on the sonographer having sufficient time (and skill) to examine the foetus in detail.
Compared with routine scanning, there are several advantages to select screening of women identified by other prenatal tests as having risk factors for foetal abnormalities.
Serious consideration should now be given to a selective screening policy.

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