Around 1.6 million twins are born each year worldwide, as multiple pregnancies continue to increase. However, these pregnancies carry greater risks of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Jane Hanford, explores how the evolution of high-quality ultrasound and imaging innovation, particularly Superb Micro-vascular Imaging (SMI) technology, is helping sonographers to identify potential risks early on, and allow for more effective treatment options.
Women's health ultrasound - where do we start? From routine screening to high-risk assessment in obstetrics, gynaecology and breast imaging, it is critical to start with, and maintain, high image quality across ultrasound for the benefit of women's health. Every examination is important. If we look at multiple pregnancies, and the associated risks, it is clear that superior image quality and the use of advanced applications are making a real impact in aiding diagnosis and providing clinical confidence.
Multiple pregnancies are increasing. As of 2021, reports suggest that 1.6 million twins are born worldwide each year,1 and due to increasing maternal age and the rise in assisted reproduction, this trend is showing no signs of slowing down.
These pregnancies carry greater risks than singleton pregnancies and are often associated with increased danger of perinatal mortality and morbidity.2 Not only are the risks of experiencing conditions such as premature labour, pre-eclampsia, placenta abruption, and fetal growth restrictions heightened, but further complications can also arise, depending on the type of multiples.3
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