Ultrasonic Localization of the Placenta

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Abstract
A total of 85 placental localization examinations in 76 patients were performed with an audible-output ultrasonic instrument based on the Doppler principle. Techniques are presented for localizing the placenta in terms of a 9-section grid system, for determining whether implantation is anterior or posterior, and for calculating the approximate borders of the placenta in patients scheduled to undergo amniocentesis. Results in 56 patients were confirmed by one or more other methods. The placenta was correctly localized by the Doppler technique in 51 (91%) of the 56 patients. Two errors involved incorrect superior-inferior predictions; 3 errors occurred in determining anterior versus posterior implantation. The Doppler ultrasonic technique appears to be a promising new method of placental localization. It is accurate, rapid, easy to perform, and causes no risk or discomfort to the patient. It permits localization of the placenta early in pregnancy, i.e., between the 20th and 28th weeks.

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