[The role of ultrasound in the diagnostics of fetal hazards (author's transl)].

Since the introduction of an ultrasound screening program for every pregnancy in Western Germany the importance of these examinations has grown. The first examination between 16 and 20 weeks--for "Dating"--represents the basic tool to avoid fetal hazards in case of premature labour or over term as well as the demonstration of multiple pregnancies and the exclusion of malformations. The second examination between 32 and 36 weeks has to regard the fetal development and the final placental localization. Abnormal fetal growth--i.e. Small for Gestational Age, Diabetes and RH-incompatibility should be recognized. Together with other clinical parameters the best results in the detection of fetal hazard can be obtained if beside good equipment the quality of the examiner and the examination can be guaranteed.