Obstetric Ultrasound Scan Research Articles

Enhancing trainee performance in obstetric ultrasound through an artificial intelligence system: randomized controlled trial.

Performing obstetric ultrasound scans is challenging for inexperienced operators; therefore, the prenatal screening artificial intelligence system (PSAIS) software was developed to provide real-time feedback and guidance for trainees during their scanning procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing such an artificial intelligence system to enhance the efficiency of obstetric ultrasound training in acquiring and interpreting standard basic views. A prospective, single-center randomized controlled study was conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. From September 2022 to April 2023, residents with no prior obstetric ultrasound experience were recruited and assigned randomly to either a PSAIS-assisted training group or a conventional training group. Each trainee underwent a four-cycle practical scan training program, performing 20 scans in each cycle on pregnant volunteers at 18-32 gestational weeks, focusing on acquiring and interpreting standard basic views. At the end of each cycle, a test scan evaluated trainees' ability to obtain standard ultrasound views without PSAIS assistance, and image quality was rated by both the trainees themselves and an expert (in a blinded manner). The primary outcome was the number of training cycles required for each trainee to meet a certain standard of proficiency (i.e. end-of-cycle test scored by the expert at ≥ 80%). Secondary outcomes included the expert ratings of the image quality in each trainee's end-of-cycle test and the discordance between ratings by trainees and the expert. In total, 32 residents and 1809 pregnant women (2720 scans) were recruited for the study. The PSAIS-assisted trainee group required significantly fewer training cycles compared with the non-PSAIS-assisted group to meet quality requirements (P = 0.037). Based on the expert ratings of image quality, the PSAIS-assisted training group exhibited superior ability in acquiring standard imaging views compared with the conventional training group in the third (P = 0.012) and fourth (P < 0.001) cycles. In both groups, the discordance between trainees' ratings of the quality of their own images and the expert's ratings decreased with increasing training time. A statistically significant difference in overall trainee-expert rating discordance between the two groups emerged at the end of the first training cycle and remained at every cycle thereafter (P < 0.013). By assisting inexperienced trainees in obtaining and interpreting standard basic obstetric scanning views, the use of artificial intelligence-assisted systems has the potential to improve training effectiveness. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reporting and Documentation of Obstetric Ultrasound Scans

Reporting and Documentation of Obstetric Ultrasound Scans

Task sharing for increasing access to obstetric ultrasonography: a formative qualitative study of nurse-led scanning with telemedicine review in Kenya

Abstract The informal settlements of Nairobi have higher neonatal and infant mortality rates than the average for Nairobi. Universal access to important diagnostics like ultrasonography is poor and inequitable due to the high cost of devices and limited availability of skilled sonographers. Recent advances of mobile ultrasound probes connected to smartphones, with or without artificial intelligence support, have improved access to devices; but skills to perform and interpret scans continue to be limited. The SonoMobile intervention involved training nurse-midwives to conduct point-of-care obstetric ultrasound scans in antenatal care clinics in urban informal settlements. Scan data and images were shared, using telemedicine technology, with remote sonographers, who reviewed scan images and data, and provided reports. This study of 61 respondents from diverse stakeholder groups describes the acceptability, utility and considerations for sustainability of nurse-led, point-of-care obstetric ultrasonography with telemedicine review. Perceived value of nurse-led obstetric ultrasonography include improving access and affordability of obstetric ultrasonography services, timely identification and referral of high-risk pregnancies, and improving awareness of appropriate antenatal care among underserved populations. The relative affordability of SonoMobile was described as a critical enabler for a business model targeting low- and middle-income segments of the population, and for increasing quality and equity of antenatal care coverage. Areas highlighted for improvement include strengthening supervision of nurse trainees, broadening the scope of nurse training, and development of clear regulatory guidelines for nurse-led obstetric ultrasonography. The study highlights the complex task shifting required to provide universal access to a life-saving technology in an LMIC health system.

Concordant fatal congenital anomaly in twin pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundWhen a pregnant mother finds out she has a fetus with a congenital defect, the parents feel profound worry, anxiety, and melancholy. Anomalies can happen in singleton or twin pregnancies, though they are more common in twin pregnancies. In twins, several congenital defects are typically discordant.Case summaryWe present a rare case of concordant fatal anomaly in twin pregnancy in a 22-year-old African patient primigravida mother from Western Ethiopia who presented for routine antenatal care. An obstetric ultrasound scan showed anencephaly, meningomyelocele, and severe ventriculomegaly. After receiving the counseling, the patient was admitted to the ward, and the pregnancy was terminated with the medical option. Following a successful in-patient stay, she was given folic acid supplements and instructed to get preconception counseling before getting pregnant again.ConclusionThe case demonstrates the importance of early obstetric ultrasound examination and detailed anatomic scanning, in twin pregnancies in particular. This case also calls for routine preconceptional care.

The prevalence, risk factors and the management outcome of placenta praevia at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe: A 5-year retrospective study

Background: Placenta praevia is one of the main causes of antepartum haemorrhage, which may be associated with severe maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and the feto-maternal outcome of placenta praevia among patients managed in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Northern Nigeria. Methodology: This was a retrospective study where all cases of placenta praevia managed in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, over 5 years, from January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2021 were analyzed using SPSS V 20. Results: There was a total of 11,937 deliveries during the study period and 63 cases of placenta praevia were managed, giving an incidence of 1.9%. Also, a total of 2,907 Caesarean deliveries were done during this period, and placenta praevia cases contributed 2.2% of the CS. About half of the cases also (47.4%) were asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally with routine ultrasound scan while painless vaginal bleeding (32.2%) and warning bleeds (20.4%) were the other noted symptoms. The commonest risk factors noted in this study were previous dilatation and curettage (28.6%), previous CS and multiparity (22.6%) each. The fetal complications noted in this study were low birth weight (13.2%), birth asphyxia (10.3%) and 2.9% had intrauterine fetal death. Maternal complications were postoperative anaemia 55.4%, shock 7.7%, and 1.5% had peripartum hysterectomy. There was no maternal mortality noted in this study. Conclusion: Placentae previa is fairly common at our Centre and associated maternal and perinatal morbidities. Therefore, routine late obstetric ultrasound scan should be performed to diagnose it in women with risk factors so that they can receive optimal care.

Complex umbilical cord entanglement: A case report

Background: Complex umbilical cord entanglement occurs less frequently and is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. It is associated with umbilical artery pH and base excess levels that are significantly unfavorable, higher incidence of nonreassuring fetal heart rate, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, emergency cesarean section, and stillbirth. Case presentation: A 44-year-old para 2+0 gravida 3, with 2 previous cesarean delivery scars at 35 weeks presented with a history of reduced fetal movements for 24 hours. She had attended two antenatal care visits. Her blood group was A, rhesus negative, with hemoglobin levels of 11.2 g/dl, and normal platelets. Urinalysis and serology for HIV, hepatitis B, and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test were nonreactive. She had received anti-D prophylaxis after her previous deliveries. An urgent obstetric ultrasound scan showed features consistent with intrauterine fetal death. Her coagulation profile was within the normal range. She was admitted for hysterotomy. Intraoperatively, a fresh stillborn baby boy was extracted with a cord around the neck tightly twice and entangled around the trunk. Conclusion: Complex umbilical cord entanglement occurs less frequently and associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk of adverse perinatal outcomes increases with ≥3 loops of the umbilical cord. It is important to look out for cord entanglement antenatally by ultrasonography, particularly when assessing cases of decreased fetal movements.

Knots of the umbilical cord: Incidence, diagnosis, and management.

Knot(s) of the umbilical cord have received emphasis because the clinical assessments and sonographic literature show a crucial role in fetal outcomes. The true umbilical cord knot could be a knot in a singleton pregnancy or an entanglement of two umbilical cords in monoamniotic twins. Clinical manifestations are almost silent, which can raise clinical challenges. They worsen outcomes, and the pathology can be easily missed during prenatal visits because ultrasonographers do not pay attention to the cord during an obstetric ultrasound scan. However, most medical centers now have ultrasound machines that improve fetal assessment. The umbilical cord should be routinely evaluated during a fetal assessment, and suspicion of an umbilical cord knot can be more frequently diagnosed and is detected only incidentally. Clinical outcome is usually good but depends on the knot's characteristics and if it is tight or loose. In this review, we discuss pathophysiology, the theories on formation, the main risk factors, ultrasound signs and findings, different opinions in the management, and features of pregnancy outcomes feature.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of third-trimester obstetric ultrasound scan.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of third-trimester obstetric ultrasound scan.

Fetal Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation (VGAM) Detected at 36 Weeks: Review of Literature and Case Report

Abstract Vein of Galen malformation is a rare intracranial vascular lesion most often concomitant with poor prognosis when associated with high-output cardiac failure. We present a case that was diagnosed late in the third trimester, but due to the limitations in our local settings, immediate operative intervention could not be done. A 24-year-old primigravida was sent for a routine 36-week obstetric ultrasound scan (USS), which revealed a midline cystic structure with mosaic color signals on a duplex Doppler USS within the fetal head. The unavailability of fetal magnetic resonance venography (MRV) delayed confirmation until the postnatal period. An MRV done on the second day of delivery showed a dilated, tortuous midline structure in the region of the vein of Galen, which confirmed the findings. Echocardiography revealed multiple cardiac lesions. Although, both antenatally and at birth, there was no cardiac failure, the baby died on the seventh day of life from possible cardiac compromise.

The training of midwives to perform obstetric ultrasound scan in Africa for task shifting and extension of scope of practice: a scoping review

IntroductionUltrasound scan is one of the essential assessments that is crucial in the early identification of health risks during antenatal care. Its accessibility to women in low-and middle-income countries remains a serious challenge because ultrasound scans are not within the scope of practice for midwives. However, task shifting and extension of scope of practice aim to train midwives to assess pregnant women through an ultrasound scan. This paper aims to report the findings of a scoping review on the training of midwives to perform obstetric ultrasound scans in Africa.MethodsThe 6-step iterative framework for scoping reviews by Arksey and O’Malley was used to determine the extent of qualitative and quantitative evidence available on the training of midwives on obstetric ultrasound scans, which includes specifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, selecting studies, extracting and charting data, collating, summarising, and synthesising and reporting findings.ResultsA total of 12 articles from eight African countries were included in this scoping review. Three main themes and 13 sub-themes emerged and they are: obstetric ultrasound scan training, challenges experienced by midwives from task shifting and extension of scope of practice regarding obstetric ultrasound scan, and the value of task shifting and extension of scope of practice regarding obstetric ultrasound scan to midwives.DiscussionDespite the available evidence that the training of midwives on obstetric ultrasound scans is essential to ensure the accessibility of quality antenatal health services, the training of midwives on obstetric ultrasound scans in some African countries remains a serious challenge. It is evident from this scoping review results that there is a need for African countries to incorporate obstetric ultrasound scans as part of the scope of practice of midwives. Task shifting necessitates prioritising the training of midwives on the use of obstetric ultrasound scans as one of the steps towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 3 targets by 2030.

Gaze-probe joint guidance with multi-task learning in obstetric ultrasound scanning

In this work, we exploit multi-task learning to jointly predict the two decision-making processes of gaze movement and probe manipulation that an experienced sonographer would perform in routine obstetric scanning. A multimodal guidance framework, Multimodal-GuideNet, is proposed to detect the causal relationship between a real-world ultrasound video signal, synchronized gaze, and probe motion. The association between the multi-modality inputs is learned and shared through a modality-aware spatial graph that leverages useful cross-modal dependencies. By estimating the probability distribution of probe and gaze movements in real scans, the predicted guidance signals also allow inter- and intra-sonographer variations and avoid a fixed scanning path. We validate the new multi-modality approach on three types of obstetric scanning examinations, and the result consistently outperforms single-task learning under various guidance policies. To simulate sonographer’s attention on multi-structure images, we also explore multi-step estimation in gaze guidance, and its visual results show that the prediction allows multiple gaze centers that are substantially aligned with underlying anatomical structures.

Fetal congenital heart diseases: Diagnosis by anatomical scans, echocardiography and genetic tests.

To determine the distribution of major fetal congenital heart diseases (CHDs) diagnosed antenatally during routine second-trimester obstetric anatomical scans in an unselected population at a single tertiary centre and to characterise and stratify risk factors, genetic diagnosis and long-term health at 4 years old. A single-centre cohort study of all major fetal CHDs detected on routine obstetric fetal anatomical ultrasound scans between January 2014 and December 2017 was performed in an unselected population. Demographic details, fetal echocardiogram reports, genetic test results, delivery outcomes and postnatal progress were stratified by CHD subtype. Of 20,031 screened pregnancies, 109 pregnancies (0.53%) had major fetal CHDs. The most common subtypes were coarctation of aorta (17.4%), transposition of great arteries (16.5%), and tetralogy of Fallot and univentricular hearts (13.8% each). Of the 60.5% that underwent confirmatory genetic testing-mostly conventional karyotyping and testing for 22q11 microdeletion-about a quarter had abnormalities, of which 22q microdeletion was the most common. We had complete obstetric data in 85 pregnancies (78%), of which 76.5% progressed to live birth. Among these, 92.1% of postnatal echocardiograms concurred with antenatal ones. At 4 years old, 43.2% of offspring had no medical or developmental issues, 20.0% had mild medical or developmental issues, 21.5% had major medical or developmental issues, and 12.3% had deceased. Fetal echocardiograms accurately diagnose CHDs. Future studies should evaluate the roles of chromosomal microarray and next-generation sequencing in diagnosing CHD.

Placental histopathology and correlated clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients

Pregnancies after kidney transplantation are high-risk. Whilst previous studies have explored pregnancy outcomes, there are no existing data on the placental histopathology findings of kidney transplant recipients and how these correlate with clinical outcomes. From 1976 to 2020, 62 pregnancies to 37 transplant recipients were identified in a South Australian clinical unit. The medical records were evaluated to identify if placental tissue had been sent for histopathology. The histology was reviewed contemporaneously, blinded to outcomes, following the Amsterdam consensus. The findings were correlated with the clinical data. Placental tissue was referred for histopathological examination in 20 pregnancies to 15 women. A high rate of adverse perinatal outcomes was noted, with fetal growth restriction (FGR; n=6), pre-eclampsia (n=8), worsening renal function with >10% increase in serum creatinine from preconception (n=9), pre-term birth (n=15), and antenatal hypertension (n=12). Maternal vascular malperfusion was seen in 14/20 pregnancies, including in all cases with pre-eclampsia, and was commonly observed with FGR (5/6 cases), decline in kidney function (8/9), antenatal hypertension (7/12) and preterm birth (12/15). In this high-risk population, increased obstetric ultrasound scans with uterine and umbilical Doppler should be considered to monitor and manage maternal uteroplacental vascular perfusion. We recommend all placental tissue from transplant recipients be referred for histopathological examination.

Serum Human Placental Lactogen Assays in Ultrasound Evaluated Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: A Marker of Placental Function in Pregnancy.

Human placental lactogen (HPL) is a pregnancy-related hormone produced by the placenta. The overall functions of serum HPL impacts the developing fetus and placenta. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal serum concentration of HPL and sonographic fetal growth parameters in pregnancy induced hypertension as a marker of placental function. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a 9-month period in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria that involved 100 women with pregnancy induced hypertension. An obstetric ultrasound scan was done on all the subjects and their blood was collected for HPL evaluation using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Maternal serum HPL had a significant positive correlation with PLA (P=0.000), estimated gestational age (P=0.000), estimated fetal weight (P=0.000) and amniotic fluid index AFI (P=0.000) and a significant negative correlation with proteinuria (P=0.047), fetal heart rate (P=0.032) and HC/AC (P=0.000). It is concluded that maternal serum HPL concentration increases as pregnancy advances and causes a significant increase in placental thickness, fetal weight and amniotic fluid volume, however, its reduction is significantly associated with the onset of pre-eclampsia, fetal distress and asymmetrical intra-uterine growth restriction. Thus, the evaluation of maternal serum HPL concentration is a reliable marker of placental function in the second half of pregnancy.

Uterine Artery Doppler Ultrasound Measurement of Preterm Labor in Pregnant Women with Threatened Preterm Labor

Introduction: One of the most common causes of hospitalisation during pregnancy is preterm labour. Nearly one-fifth of women hospitalised for preterm labour. The frequency of preterm births is about 12%–13% in the USA and 5%–9% in many other developed countries. One of the main causes of preterm delivery is preterm premature rupture of membranes, while pre-eclampsia and foetal growth restriction (FGR) can be identified as other common causes that could lead to such complications. Objective: to assess the value of uterine artery doppler ultrasound measured of preterm labor in pregnant women with threatened preterm labor. Methods: We performed a single-center cohort study was carried out at Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital &amp; Jalalabad Clinic, Modhushohid, Sylhet, Bangladesh from January to December 2020. Total 141 women were selected for the present study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participating women signed informed written consent. The study included singleton pregnant women who present to the casualty at gestations between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation with symptoms and signs of threatened preterm labor (defined as presence of at least one uterine contraction per 10 minutes, lasting at least 30 seconds, with a cervical dilatation ≤ 3 cm, and a cervical effacement &lt; 80%). On admission, during obstetric ultrasound scanning, bilateral uterine artery Doppler ultrasound velocimetry was performed using the transabdominal technique. Uterine artery Doppler scans were both conducted at the peak of uterine contraction and in between contractions when the uterus is fully relaxed. Results: Total 141 women presenting with threatened preterm labor were included in the study. The mean gestational age at presentation was 30.86 ± 1.71 weeks (range: 28 – 33.86 weeks). Among 45 (31.9%) delivered within 7 days, while 96 (68.1%) delivered after 7 days of presentation. The mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) measured both basally and at the peak contraction were significantly higher among women who delivered within 7 days. ROC curves showed that both basal and contraction UA-PI were significant predictors of delivery within 7 days. There was a significant negative correlation between contraction UA-PI and birth weight. Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler ultrasound velocimetry measured in women with threatened preterm labor, seems to be a significant predictor of actual preterm labor within 7 days of admission.

Peritonite meconial relacionada à doença hepática materna: relato de caso

Meconium peritonitis has been associated with cystic fibrosis, congenital infections, and bowel disease. A growing number of reports have also associated it with maternal liver disease. This report describes the case of a preterm newborn with meconium peritonitis born from a woman with liver disease and presents a review of the literature on the subject. A male preterm newborn weighing 2595g was admitted to the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit due to an obstetric ultrasound scan performed at 31 weeks and 3 days of gestation showing calcifications of various sizes throughout his abdomen. His mother had autoimmune hepatitis and sclerosing cholangitis. Postnatal abdominal x-ray images showed calcifications in the liver and right paracolic gutter and abdomen ultrasound scans showed large peritoneal calcifications in the hepatic and splenic capsules and in the pouch of Morrison, in addition to calcifications in the right scrotum.

The Placenta: Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Pathological and Ultrasonograpic Findings

Introduction: The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the mother to serve the major purpose of respiration, excretion and nutrition for the fetus. It is very important for the proper development of the embryo, cushions it from mechanical shocks a major role in assisting the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. A thorough examination of the placenta plays an important role in providing significant clinical information that may affect the welfare of the fetus and the mother but sadly, it is less evaluated during routine obstetric ultrasound scan. Objective: This study discussed in simplified details, the developmental anatomy of the placenta, related ultrasonography of the appearance of the typical placenta which provides necessary clinical information and help. predict adverse fetal outcomes. Also discussed were some pathological findings that can be seen in routine ultrasound scan with the hematological complications of placenta previa as a focus. Methodology: The research was designed from search engines with reference to valid studies from academic sources including ResearchGate, PubMed and Google Scholar. We also evaluated various related titles, abstracts and full reports for eligibility. Conclusion: The placenta is a very important organ in the development of the fetus but easily overlooked during routine ultrasound and a proper check of the health can avert morbidity and mortality of the fetus.

Relationship Between Subchorionic Haematoma and Abdominal Massage in Pregnancy in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Pilot Study

Background: Abdominal massage (AM) in pregnancy is a common practice in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. AM may cause events such as subchorionic haematoma (SAH) and increase the risk of miscarriages and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Objective: To determine the relationship between AM and SCH in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2022 at the Obstetrics and Radiology Units of four health facilities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Consenting eligible pregnant women presenting to the antenatal clinic during the first trimester were consecutively included. An obstetric ultrasound scan was performed transabdominal. Results: Of the 403 women recruited, 241 (59.8%) were aged (20 – 29 years). The mean age was 28.02 ± 5.99 years. The mean body mass index was 23.82±4.60 kg/m2. While 170 (42.2%) had undergone AM in the first trimester of the index pregnancy, 126 (31.3%) had vaginal bleeding, and SCH occurred in 109 (27.0%) women. Women who had AM had 210 (CI: 58 – 878) times the odds of having SCH and 3.3 (CI: 2.14 – 5.15) times the odds of vaginal bleeding than women who did not have AM. Only 2 (1.8%) women with SCH did not have AM. Conclusion: There exists a strong association between the occurrence of SCH among pregnant women who have had AM. More health education is needed for women in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria to eradicate the archaic practice and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Uterine didelphys: A Case report of successful term pregnancies in each endometrial cavity

Background: Uterine didelphys is a rare congenital anomaly that may increase the risk of pregnancy loss and adverse perinatal outcome. There is limited knowledge of specific increased risk related to uterine didelphys. Uterine didelphys occurs in approximately 1 in 3000 women and accounts for 8 -10% of all mullerian duct anomalies (MDAs). Aim: To present this rare congenital clinical condition and offer management modality experience from the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Case report: Mrs. MC was a 33 year old booked G3 Para 1+ 1 (alive), previous caesarean section, who presented for antenatal care. Her index pregnancy was complicated by premature uterine contractions and ante – partum haemorrhage at 29 weeks and 30 weeks gestation respectively which were managed successfully. Obstetric ultrasound scan revealed a second uterine cavity with separate endometrial plate in keeping with uterine didelphys. She subsequently had an elective repeat caesarean section at 38 weeks gestation for transverse lie and uterine anomaly. Findings were a gravid left uterus and an empty right uterus with a lower segment scar. The left uterus contained a live male neonate in transverse lie with a birth weight of 3.5 kg and good Apgar scores. The baby was successfully managed for neonatal Jaundice. The mother developed postpartum haemorrhage which was successfully managed. The mother and baby were discharged on the 5th and 12th post-operative day respectively in good clinical state. The mother was given appointment to the family planning clinic. Conclusion: We presented a patient with a rare congenital clinical condition – uterine didelphys who conceived spontaneously. She had a previous successful pregnancy on the right uterus followed by a spontaneous miscarriage and successfully carried the index pregnancy on the left uterus to term and was delivered by an elective repeat caesarean section with good fetal and maternal outcome.

Evaluation of foetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with conventional m-mode ultrasound in normal pregnancy

Background: Foetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (fTAPSE) in-utero helps in the evaluation of the right foetal cardiac function, which is key in the early diagnosis of congenital heart defects and abnormalities. Objectives of the study was to assess foetal TAPSE in the second half of normal pregnancy, establish reference ranges for this measurement in our environment, and to determine the relationship of foetal TAPSE with gestational age and estimated foetal weight.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022 at the Obstetric Units and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary facilities, one secondary facility and one radiodiagnostic facility in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Consenting pregnant women presenting to the antenatal clinic during the second half of pregnancy were consecutively included. An obstetric ultrasound scan was performed transabdominally. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.Results: There was a very strong, positive and significant relationship between fTAPSE and gestational age (ɼ=0.81; p=0.001); and between fTAPSE and estimated foetal weight (ɼ=0.79; p=0.001). The mean fTAPSE and standard deviation from the 20th to the 23rd week of gestation were 2.10±1.11 mm, 2.43±0.95, 2.74±0.84 mm and 2.94±0.70 mm, showing a gradual increase in mean fTAPSE as gestational age increases.Conclusions: Our study revealed that there was a significant relationship between fTAPSE and gestational age; and between fTAPSE and estimated foetal weight, which correlates with published data around the globe.