Recent data shows that in England, one in four births is now an emergency Cesarean. As the leading society for ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology, ISUOG emphasises that ultrasound is not simply a diagnostic tool, it can identify specific high-risk cases that could benefit from a planned Cesarean, whilst also aiding surgical planning in Cesarean deliveries.
ISUOG Trustee and Director of the Fetal Medicine Unit at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Prof. Asma Khalil, says: "Ultrasound plays a central role in modern maternity care, helping doctors and midwives identify complications, guide decision-making and support safer pregnancies and births.”
Crucially, ultrasound can identify women who may benefit from planned Cesarean delivery. Those affected by low placenta, placenta accreta spectrum, fetal malpresentation, some fetal anomalies, selected cases of fetal growth restriction and other complications, can often benefit from an elective Cesarean section.
Intrapartum ultrasound can improve assessment of fetal presentation, fetal head position, and labor progress. In Cesarean deliveries, ultrasound can be used for surgical planning of complex cases, during labor and before delivery, helping to optimise outcomes for the mother and the baby.
Prof. Khalil highlighted that the rise in emergency Cesareans is influenced by many factors and it does not necessarily indicate poorer care. In fact, in many situations they reflect efforts to prevent serious maternal or neonatal complications.
“While ultrasound cannot prevent every emergency Cesarean section, it can help identify women and babies at increased risk, allowing care to be tailored to their individual needs. As maternity care becomes increasingly complex, high-quality ultrasound delivered by appropriately trained professionals remains one of our most valuable tools for improving outcomes for mothers and babies”, said Prof. Khalil.
See the ISUOG Guidelines for more clinical information and advice:
Updated ISUOG Practice Guidelines: Performance of 11-14- week ultrasound scan
Performance of the routine mid-trimester fetal ultrasound scan
ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of third-trimester obstetric ultrasound scan