The incidence of multifetal pregnancies has increased dramatically over the past two decades, mainly because of the widespread use of ovulation induction agents and assisted reproduction techniques. These techniques have been a matter of concern since twin and higher order pregnancies have long been associated with an increased risk of maternal complications as well as a high prevalence of pren...

Unintended pregnancy is common, and in the United States almost one-third [corrected] of all women will have at least one abortion during their lifetime. The majority of abortions are performed in the first trimester. Although advances have been made in the provision of medical abortion in the family medicine setting, procedural methods remain the cornerstone of abortion care. We present a step...

Objective The introduction of first trimester nuchal translucency measurement has resulted in earlier identification of foetuses with exencephaly. Exencephaly is an uncommon congenital malformation in which the flat bones of calvaria are absent leaving the brain completely exposed or protrudes through the defect in the cranial vault. Anencephaly may ensue as a result of prolonged exposure of th...

This article reviews the performance of first trimester screening for chromosomal anomalies using various combinations of ultrasound and maternal serum biochemical modalities. Detection rates in excess of 90% can be routinely achieved for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18 using a combination of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free ss-hCG and PAPP-A at 11 + 0 to 13 +...