Return prenatal visit - Essay Example

Return Prenatal Visit Rational ultrasonography Basing on the case study, ultrasounds in such a pregnancy is really useful in assessing certain parameters. Some of its use includes detecting fetal malformations, to assess any disturbance in fetal growth, assess amniotic fluid volumes. Furthermore, according to Cameron & Moran (2009), absence of nasal bones, shortened hummers, intracranial foci plus a hyperechogenic bowel can also be detected by an ultrasound while in utero. Patients who have a positive family history of congenital syndromes like trisomy 21 often can be detected by a normal ultrasound.

Parameters indicative of trisomy 21 during the second trimester include presence of a nucal fold that is more than or equal to 5mm. In the above case study, the general well-being of the fetus can be assessed by getting its heart rate and respiratory rate and know if it is in distress or not. Ultrasound is a very important tool in diagnosing various conditions in obstetrics (Cameron & Moran, 2009). Rational to Fundal height In relation to the case study provided the fundal height was found midway between the umbilicus andpubis symphysis which should be under the umbilicus based on LMP.

However, various factors impact the correct interpretation of MSAFP results. These include: gestational age, maternal weight, ethnicity, maternal diabetes mellitus, fetal viability, exclusion of other anomalies, and multiple pregnancy (Cameron & Moran, 2009). Normally, AFP is produced by the york sac, gastrointestinal system and the liver in a fetus (Androutsopoulos, Gkogkos & Decavalas, 2013). Any increase in its level is always indicative of a problem in that area. (Androutsopoulos, Gkogkos & Decavalas, 2013) In the results provided in the case study, the doctor should conduct further tests based on abnormal findings from the fundal height examination and the AFP (Androutsopoulos, Gkogkos & Decavalas, 2013).

ReferencesAndroutsopoulos, G., Gkogkos, P., & Decavalas, G. (2013). Mid-trimester maternal serum hCG and alpha fetal protein levels: Clinical significance and prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome. International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 11(2), 102-106. Cameron, M., & Moran, P. (2009). Prenatal screening and diagnosis of neural tube defects. Prenatal Diagnosis, 29(4), 402-411.