Gestational Sac Size, Yolk Sac Size and Embryonic Cardiac Activity as Prognostic Factors of First Trimester Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

Background: The accurate difference between normal pregnancy and abnormal pregnancy in early gestation remains a challenge clinically. Different studies have previously described the association between fetal well-being and gestational sac characteristics. Yolk sac first appears at 5 weeks gestation and becomes visible by ultrasound, while fetal heart rate appears at 6 weeks gestation and they can be used as prognostic parameters for first trimester outcome in pregnancy. Study aim: relation of the ultrasound parameters in early pregnancy (gestational sac size, yolk sac and embryonic cardiac activity) to early fetal demise. Methodology: This was hospital based cross sectional study, conducted in the outpatient clinic and Emergency Department – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department – El Monera General Hospital on 100 pregnant women in their first trimester. Patients were subjected to General Examination and Abdominal and local clinical examination. Result; Gestational sac diameter at different gestational ages were significantly higher among Ongoing pregnancy group compared to Pregnancy loss group. Conclusion; Based on our finding we concluded that, yolk sac diameter, gestational sac diameter, CRL in different gestational ages and cardiac activity at 6th and 7th week were significantly higher among ongoing pregnancy group, YSD, GSD and FHR were significant predictors for pregnancy loss.