A Randomized Controlled Study to assess the Role of Routine Third Trimester Ultrasound in Low-risk Pregnancy on Antenatal Interventions and Perinatal Outcome

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the role of routine third trimester ultrasound in low-risk pregnancy on antenatal interventions and perinatal outcome. Design Randomized controlled study. Setting KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Center, Belgaum. Subjects A total of 290 low-risk pregnant women between 34 and 37 weeks attending antenatal clinic and fulfilling inclusion criteria were allotted using computer-generated randomization numbers into study and control groups. Intervention In study group, third trimester ultrasound was performed to assess fetal growth, amniotic fluid index (AFI), malpresentations, and late onset fetal anomalies. In control group, no routine ultrasound was performed, unless indicated by clinical suspicion during subsequent visits. High-risk fetuses identified were managed as per the standard protocol. All women were followed to assess antenatal interventions, intrapartum events and perinatal outcome. Results Detection of high-risk fetuses antenatally in study and control groups was 17.25 and 2.07% respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p = —0.0001). Rates of antenatal interventions among study and control were 24.8 and 4.44% respectively. Prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses among study and control was 6.9 vs 11.03% respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p = —0.253). There was no statistical difference in adverse intrapartum events, cesarean section rate for nonreassuring cardiotocography (CTG), low Apgar score and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions among study and controls. Conclusion Routine third trimester ultrasound is a logical solution for detection of high-risk fetuses in low-risk pregnancies which would otherwise be missed by clinical examination. However, this leads to an increase in antenatal interventions without significantly influencing the perinatal outcome. How to cite this article Revankar KG, Dhumale H, Pujar Y. A Randomized Controlled Study to assess the Role of Routine Third Trimester Ultrasound in Low-risk Pregnancy on Antenatal Interventions and Perinatal Outcome. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(3):139-143.