Impact of maternal obesity on procedure of mid-trimester anomaly scan.
A maternal body mass index (BMI) >or= 30 kg/m(2) increases the risk of giving birth to a baby with an anatomical congenital anomaly. Such anomalies can be detected prior to birth using ultrasound as a screening modality. This study documents the impact of maternal obesity on image quality and service provision of the mid-trimester fetal anomaly scan. A prospective observational study of 327 pregnant women demonstrated 21% of women were obese. In this group, sub-optimal views of fetal anatomy and consequent requirement for re-appointment were all significantly greater. We conclude that obese women require information regarding reduced sensitivity of the 20-week anomaly scan. The increasing prevalence of obesity will have a significant effect on resources for maternity ultrasound departments.
Phatak
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK. mphatak@doctors.org.uk
Ramsay
J
J
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000592:standards*