Routine ultrasound for pregnancy termination requests increases women's choice and reduces inappropriate treatments.
This prospective observational study aimed to determine the correlation between gestational age based on menstrual dates and ultrasound scan in women requesting pregnancy termination and the proportion of cases where first trimester medical termination might be offered. Two hundred and sixty-two women (93%) had ongoing pregnancies. Two hundred and thirty-seven women (90%) were certain of their menstrual dates but there was a discrepancy of more than one week in gestational age in 38%. Calculated from their menstrual dates, 138 women might have been offered first trimester medical termination but this rose to 173 if gestation was based on ultrasound scan. From this study, we believe ultrasound should be performed routinely for all women requesting pregnancy termination.
McGalliard
Catherine
C
Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, UK.
Gaudoin
Marco
M
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010358:Patient Participation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*