Radiological Profile of Ultrasonography in First Trimester Bleeding

A BSTRACT Background: First-trimester bleeding is a common obstetric problem affecting nearly one-fourth of pregnancies, with causes ranging from benign conditions to serious complications. Ultrasonography, including grayscale and Doppler imaging, plays a key role in early diagnosis. Aim: To evaluate ultrasonographic findings in women presenting with first-trimester bleeding and assess the radiological profile on ultrasound. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry. Eighty-eight antenatal women with vaginal bleeding and gestational age <14 weeks were evaluated using transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography. Fetal viability, crown–rump length, pregnancy location, placental position, uterine artery Doppler, and associated maternal or cervical factors were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Fetal cardiac activity was present in 83% of cases. Intrauterine pregnancies constituted 86.4%, while ectopic pregnancies accounted for 13.6%. Threatened abortion was the most common diagnosis (37.5%), followed by missed abortion (21.6%). Normal uterine artery Doppler findings were seen in 88.6% of cases, with no significant association between maternal age and pregnancy outcome ( P = 0.761). Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an indispensable, non-invasive tool for evaluating first-trimester bleeding, facilitating accurate diagnosis and timely management.