Comparison between Transvaginal and Transabdominal Ultrasound for Detection of Fetal Heartbeat During Gestational Periods 5-8 Weeks in Obese Women

Abstract

Introduction: Early confirmation of fetal viability is a critical step in prenatal care, typically achieved through ultrasound imaging. In women with elevated body mass index (BMI), the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound may be compromised due to soft tissue interference. Transvaginal ultrasound, which provides closer access to pelvic structures, is believed to offer improved image. clarity in such cases. Given the global rise in maternal obesity, establishing the most reliable method for early heartbeat detection is increasingly important.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound. (TVUS) and transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) in detecting fetal cardiac activity during early gestation (5-8 weeks) in obese pregnant women

Methodology: A clinical assessment was carried out involving obese women in their early firsttrimester. Each participant underwent both TAUS and TVUS examinations. Data were collected regarding gestational sac appearance, crown-rump length (CRL), and the presence of fetal heart activity. The clarity of imaging and detection success rate for each modality were compared. Special attention was given to cases involving abnormal pregnancies, such as anembryonic gestation or bradycardia.

Results: The findings revealed that TVUS was significantly more effective in visualizing early fetal heart activity, often as early as 5 weeks gestation. It provided superior resolution in cases where TAUS failed to detect clear fetal structures due to increased maternal adiposity. All instances of nonviable pregnancies were successfully identified using the transvaginal approach, while transabdominal imaging frequently lacked diagnostic clarity before the 7-week mark.

Conclusion: Transvaginal ultrasound demonstrates greater reliability than transabdominal ultrasound in identifying fetal heartbeat in obese patients during the early stages of pregnancy. It is recommended as the preferred imaging technique in such cases, ensuring earlier and more accurate assessments of pregnancy viability