The role of ultrasound in the evaluation of acute pelvic pain in pregnancy and postpartum period: a review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute pelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum patients presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Ultrasound remains the primary imaging modality of choice for assessing pregnant and postpartum women. The purpose of this review is to help practitioners ensure a correct diagnosis of acute pelvic pain in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

RECENT FINDINGS: This review describes the various causes and highlights the sonographic features and characteristics of acute pelvic pain in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

SUMMARY: Evaluation of acute pelvic pain in pregnancy and the postpartum period is challenging. Knowledge of the clinical settings and sonographic features of acute pelvic pain in pregnancy and the postpartum period can lead to accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.