What is a primary goal of the first trimester ultrasound?

The primary goal of the first trimester ultrasound is to confirm gestational age and viability. During this early stage of pregnancy, it is crucial to establish how far along the pregnancy is, which can be accurately determined by measuring the gestational sac and the embryo. This assessment helps confirm the due date and ensure that the pregnancy is developing as expected. Additionally, the ultrasound can assess whether there is a heartbeat, which is an important indicator of fetal viability.

Understanding gestational age is critical for monitoring fetal development and for making informed decisions regarding the care and management of the pregnancy. Confirming both gestational age and viability at this stage provides essential information that could guide further testing and care, which is why it stands as the primary objective of first trimester ultrasound.