Use of ultrasound in the labor and delivery

Abstract

Ultrasound machines are nowadays part of the armamentarium of all modern Labor and Delivery Suites. Due to their portability, these machines are ideal for use in emergencies which can occur at any of the labor and delivery rooms. Many of the emergencies in Labor and Delivery can be life threatening; thus, maternal and fetal safety requires efficient and timely ultrasound evaluation. The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for quick and efficient use of ultrasound based on both the authors' experience and the published literature.

Sonographic findings in acute uterine inversion

“…Although the US equipment used on Labor and Delivery is often less sophisticated than that used for prenatal diagnosis, recognition of obstetrical abnormalities in the acute care setting is still possible and desirable. 3 The US appearance of acute puerperal uterine inversion was first described in 1985, with a total of eight cases reported (including the present case) with images 4-10 (Table 1). Of these eight cases, two (25%) showed US features of uterine inversion in the early postpartum period, but the significance of the images was not initially recognized.…”

“…Availability of US in most Labor and Delivery suites has given an opportunity to use it to guide clinical management. Although the US equipment used on Labor and Delivery is often less sophisticated than that used for prenatal diagnosis, recognition of obstetrical abnormalities in the acute care setting is still possible and desirable …”