CRITERIA FOR PERFORMING ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY BASED ON INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (ISUOG) GUIDELINES

Abstract

Second trimester routine ultrasound, whose main indication is the study of fetal morphology, is performed between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, an ideal period to detect growth abnormalities and congenital anomalies. At this stage, gestational age can also be evaluated, until the 22nd week as well as the fetal growth by ultrasonography and Doppler velocimetry. The recommendations of the guideline of the International Society for Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) represent an international reference for the performance of fetal ultrasound, and are intended to reflect about the most appropriate methodology. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze the criteria and indications for performing ultrasound in the second trimester of pregnancy. This paper was developed on ISUOG’s practical guidelines for the routine performance of fetal ultrasound in the second trimester of pregnancy, using the updated literature. The knowledge of fetal development throughout pregnancy and the use of an appropriate ultrasound methodology in the second trimester are, therefore, essential to obtain accurate results.