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Pregnancy is the state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus. The human gestational period is 39 weeks and is divided into trimesters, the first spanning from week zero to week twelve. Numerous significant developmental milestones occur as the fetus develops during this time frame. Additionally, as the fetus grows, it becomes visible via ultrasonography, and laboratory testing can be performed to track progression.
The list of early pregnancy complications is vast, including ectopic pregnancy, heterotopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, and miscarriage. The provider needs to visualize an intrauterine pregnancy for reasons discussed in prior sections. Complications resulting from ultrasonography in early pregnancy are minor. Transvaginal ultrasound may cause vaginal and or cervical discomfort during the exam, especially in the setting of a gynecologic infection. Given the theoretical risks of harm to the fetus, the principle of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) should be practiced by limiting scan time, avoiding the use of Doppler, etc. However, the consensus is that ultrasonography is a safe diagnostic tool for both the patient and the fetus.