Obesity and the challenges of ultrasound fetal abnormality diagnosis

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2015 Apr;29(3):320-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2014.08.011. Epub 2014 Oct 16.

Abstract

Prenatal ultrasound has become an essential clinical tool for aneuploidy screening, detection of fetal congenital anomalies, and assessment of fetal growth and well-being. Maternal obesity, an increasing global problem, has been shown to decrease the accuracy of ultrasound examination in high-risk pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidenced-based perspective on the challenges of performing fetal ultrasound in obese women and to provide a practical guide on how to care for these patients in the ultrasound suite.

Keywords: fetal anomalies; obesity; obstetric ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Abnormalities / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Obesity*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*