Vaginal Ultrasound for Prenatal Evaluation in Obese Patients- Old Instrument, New Application

  • Kae-Yng Ou, Yuans` General Hospital, Taiwan
  • Pi-Sen Yu, Yuans` General Hospital, Taiwan
  • Chin-Ming Wu, Yuans` General Hospital, Taiwan
  • Cheng-I Liao, Yuans` General Hospital, Taiwan
  • Tsong-Fu Chen, Yuans` General Hospital, Taiwan
  • Yuen-Yee Kan, Yuans` General Hospital, Taiwan

    • Objective
    Transabdominal ultrasonography (TAS) is frequently unsatisfactory in obese pregnant women due to poor transmission through a thick abdominal wall.

    Methods
    We report our experience with vaginal ultrasonography for the evaluation of the fetus during routine prenatal care in the 2nd trimester. We performed vaginal ultrasonography in 2 pregnant females (22 and 28 weeks gestation) with body weight 107kgs and 98kgs with a Panasonic PANAVISTA-LSCI ultrasound (Panasonic Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), equipped with a curvilinear-type 3.5 MHz and 7.5 MHz vaginal transducer to improve resolution.

    Results
    The first patient presented with oligohydramnios and the second without any complications. With the aid of the transvaginal sonography, we were able to overcome this obstacle and make the appropriate fetal biomarker measurements to ensure appropriate growth.

    Conclusions
    The authors conclude that vagina ultrasound is an effective tool for fetal evaluation in pregnant obese patients.