Understanding the role of ultrasound (USG) in improving maternal care in India

Using the calendar data of the third round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) this study examines the linkages between pregnancy loss (including induced abortions, spontaneous abortions and still births), pregnancy complications and use of USG in India, based on 41,376 women who were pregnant anytime during the last five years. It argues that the increased use in USG is predominantly due to increase in prenatal care and it has played a pivotal role in identifying pregnancy complications and possibly has helped in saving women’s life.