title: The role of ultrasound in life-threatening situations in pregnancy.
abstract: Pregnant women are at an increased risk of a number of conditions that are associated with bleeding. Conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, retained products of conception, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, morbid adhesion of the placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage can be associated with massive bleeding that endangers the maternal life and health. Screening, early detection, and prevention play a key role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality caused by these conditions. Ultrasound, in experienced hands, is an effective tool that can assist in diagnosing many of these obstetrical conditions. The advances in technology and the non-invasive nature of ultrasound examination have made it popular in our daily obstetrical practice. The review discusses the role of ultrasound in the most common life-threatening conditions during pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Women's Health Department, Al Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Anjali R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Kadasne
authors.forename: Hisham M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Mirghani
references.citation: BJOG. 2004 May;111(5):495-8
references.pmid: 15104617
references.citation: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 May;188(5):1299-304
references.pmid: 12748502
references.citation: Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2006 Apr;93(1):77-81
references.pmid: 16724399
references.citation: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1992 Jul;159(1):83-7
references.pmid: 1609727
references.citation: Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Apr;117(4):837-843
references.pmid: 21422853
references.citation: N Z Med J. 2008 Jul 04;121(1277):30-8
references.pmid: 18677328
references.citation: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Oct;32(5):704-7
references.pmid: 18792059
references.citation: Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Apr;23(2):117-22
references.pmid: 21252665
references.citation: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2001 Aug;18(2):103-8
references.pmid: 11529987
references.citation: J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2011 Feb;21(2):79-83
references.pmid: 21333237
references.citation: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2011 Feb;90(2):140-9
references.pmid: 21241259