Early pregnancy ultrasound as a tool for detecting fetal structural abnormalities: insights from a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND On a global level, congenital anomalies remain a major cause of childhood illness and mortality. While international guidelines emphasize second-trimester ultrasound for anomaly screening, there is growing evidence that important structural abnormalities can already be identified in the first trimester. This study examined the value of early ultrasound in detecting fetal anomalies and its effect on pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS We carried out a retrospective review of 159 pregnancies seen at a private antenatal clinic in Beirut. Maternal demographics, obstetric history, and neonatal outcomes were recorded. All women underwent a first-trimester ultrasound scan, and findings were analyzed alongside pregnancy outcomes. Statistical tests included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t-tests.

RESULTS Congenital anomalies were detected in 31 pregnancies (19.5%), with a birth prevalence of 14.2% (20/141 live births). They most commonly involved the central nervous system (CNS) and the heart. Among affected cases, 61% ended in prenatal or early neonatal death. Women who took folic acid before conception had a significantly lower risk of malformations compared with those who started supplementation later.

CONCLUSION First-trimester ultrasound is a valuable tool for the early recognition of fetal anomalies and can inform timely management. Pre-conception folic shows a protective association. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings.

DATA COLLECTION The dataset used in this study was owned by the private antenatal referral clinic where the patients received routine clinical care. Permission to access and use the anonymized was obtained in the clinic. Moreover, data were extracted in accordance with institutional policies and patient consent.