In ultrasound, several findings are considered abnormal, primarily relating to fetal development and the pregnancy environment.
Here's a breakdown based on the provided reference:
An ultrasound is considered abnormal when the following conditions are observed:
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Fetal Size Discrepancies:
- The fetus is either too small or too large for its gestational age. This can indicate growth restriction or gestational diabetes, respectively.
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Placental Issues:
- The placenta covers the cervix (placenta previa). This can cause bleeding during pregnancy and complications during delivery.
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Amniotic Fluid Imbalance:
- There is too much (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios) amniotic fluid in the uterus. These conditions can affect fetal development and well-being.
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Birth Defects:
- The fetus shows signs of a birth defect. Ultrasounds can detect many structural abnormalities.
In summary, an abnormal ultrasound indicates deviations from the expected norms of fetal growth, placental placement, amniotic fluid volume, or the presence of structural abnormalities in the fetus.
