Gestational Sac Size, Yolk Sac Size and Embryonic Cardiac Activity as Prognostic Factors of First Trimester Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

Background : The accurate difference between normal pregnancy and abnormal pregnancy in early gestation remains a challenge clinically. Different studies have previously described the association between fetal well-being and gestational sac characteristics. Yolk sac fi rst appears at 5 weeks gestation and becomes visible by ultrasound, while the fetal heart rate appears at 6 weeks gestation and these can be used as prognostic parameters for fi rst-trimester outcomes in pregnancy. Study aim : Relation of the ultrasound parameters in early pregnancy (gestational sac size, yolk sac, and embryonic cardiac activity) to early fetal demise. Patients and methods : This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in the outpatient clinic and Emergency Department e Obstetrics and Gynecology Department e El Monera General Hospital on 100 pregnant women in their fi rst trimester. Patients were subjected to general examination and abdominal and local clinical examination. Result : Gestational sac diameter at different gestational ages was signi fi cantly higher among the ongoing pregnancy group compared with the pregnancy loss group. Conclusion : Based on our fi ndings we concluded that yolk sac diameter, gestational sac diameter, Crown-rump length in different gestational ages, and cardiac activity at sixth and seventh weeks were signi fi cantly higher among the ongoing pregnancy group; yolk sac diameter, gestational sac diameter, and fetal heart rate were signi fi cant predictors for pregnancy loss.