A pregnancy ultrasound report is a formal document summarizing the findings from a sonogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the fetus and the surrounding uterine environment. This report serves as a communication tool, translating the sonographer’s technical observations and the interpreting physician’s findings into a record for the patient’s medical team. Understanding the terminology and organization of this document allows expectant parents to engage more fully in discussions about the pregnancy’s progress. The report confirms fetal well-being, estimates gestational age, and identifies potential points of concern.
Understanding Report Organization
The ultrasound report typically begins with administrative data, confirming the patient’s identity, the date and type of scan performed, and the name of the referring healthcare provider. Following this, the document is usually divided into three main sections: Technical Details, Detailed Findings or Biometry, and the Impression.
The Technical Details section briefly outlines the equipment and methods used, such as whether the scan was transabdominal or transvaginal. The core of the document lies in the Detailed Findings, where specific measurements and observations are systematically recorded. Finally, the Impression section provides the interpreting physician’s synthesized summary of the most clinically relevant information.
Decoding Fetal Measurements and Dating
The Fetal Biometry section uses specific abbreviations and measurements to assess fetal size, estimate gestational age (GA), and project the expected due date (EDD). Measurements taken early in the pregnancy, particularly the Crown-Rump Length (CRL), are the most accurate for initial dating. The CRL measures the length of the embryo or fetus from the top of the head to the bottom of the rump and is most reliable in the first trimester before 14 weeks of gestation.
In the second and third trimesters, a combination of measurements tracks growth and refines the age estimate. These include the Biparietal Diameter (BPD), which is the width of the fetal head, and the Head Circumference (HC). The Abdominal Circumference (AC) is measured around the fetal abdomen and is important for estimating fetal weight and assessing nutritional status.
Another common metric is the Femur Length (FL), which measures the longest bone in the body, used to assess skeletal development. These measurements are compared to standard growth charts, and a percentile rank indicates how the fetus’s size compares to others at the same gestational age. For example, a measurement below the 10th percentile may warrant closer monitoring for growth restriction. The Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) is a calculation derived from combining these biometric measurements, providing a weight estimate that is subject to a margin of error.
Assessing Supportive Structures
Beyond the fetal body, the report details the status of the supportive structures that maintain the intrauterine environment. The placenta’s location is routinely noted, using terms like anterior (attached to the front wall of the uterus) or posterior (attached to the back wall). Both placements are normal and do not typically affect the pregnancy.
The report will also specify if the placenta is low-lying, meaning its lower edge is close to the cervix, or if it is a placenta previa, where it partially or fully covers the cervical opening. The volume of amniotic fluid is assessed using the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or the Maximum Vertical Pocket (MVP) measurement. AFI is calculated by dividing the uterus into four quadrants and summing the deepest vertical pocket of fluid in each, with a typical normal range being 5 to 24 centimeters.
The MVP technique measures only the single largest pocket of fluid. A measurement below 2 centimeters often defines low fluid, or oligohydramnios. Low fluid can be associated with complications like placental insufficiency, while high fluid (polyhydramnios) may also require further investigation. The cervix may also be evaluated, particularly its length, as a shorter measurement can sometimes indicate an increased risk of preterm labor.
Key Findings and the Final Impression
The final sections of the report move from quantitative data to qualitative observations and a summary interpretation. The Findings section describes visual observations of specific anatomy, such as the four-chamber view of the heart, the stomach bubble, and the brain structures. This is where observations about the number of fetuses, fetal heart rate, and the presence of gross anatomical structures are documented.
The Impression or Conclusion synthesizes the most significant observations. This section provides a concise summary, often stating whether the findings are consistent with the estimated gestational age and if any significant abnormalities were detected. The impression will highlight clinically relevant issues, such as “low-lying placenta noted” or “mild fetal growth restriction suspected,” and may include recommendations for follow-up testing. Any finding labeled as “abnormal” or “requires follow-up” should be discussed with the healthcare provider for a full explanation and context.