Obstetric
2 days
Introduction to Obstetric Ultrasound Course
ASUM, ACEM, ACRRM, RACGP, ACM
Course highlights
- System orientation and image optimisation
- Transducer manipulation techniques
- Transabdominal and phantom-based transvaginal scanning
- First trimester and early pregnancy assessment
- Third trimester scanning and fetal biometry
- Amniotic fluid index (AFI)
- Umbilical cord Doppler
- Hands-on scanning with pregnant women
Course Dates
Description
This two-day basic obstetric ultrasound course is designed for medical professionals seeking a practical introduction to point-of-care obstetric ultrasound. It covers foundational skills for assessing early pregnancy and basic third trimester monitoring using transabdominal and transvaginal (phantom-based) scanning techniques.
With guidance from experienced obstetric sonographers, participants will gain hands-on scanning experience with pregnant women at varying gestations, and develop the skills to acquire, interpret, and integrate ultrasound findings in antenatal care.
The course content is informed by guidelines from the Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM), RANZCOG, and ISUOG, and is designed to support the safe, effective use of ultrasound in clinical practice.
Who should attend?
- Emergency Physician
- General Practitioner
- Junior House Officer
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Obstetrician
- Paramedic
- Rural Generalist
- Senior House Officer
- Sonographer
- Obstetric Registrar
Objectives
On completion of the course the student should be able to:
- Identify and examine an intrauterine pregnancy with a heartbeat present.
- Identify, measure and document a fetal heartbeat.
- Describe the criteria for failed pregnancy.
- Describe pregnancy of unknown location.
- Commence scanning on transvaginal phantoms.
- Identify and measure the cervical length.
- Identify and examine the placenta.
- Describe some placenta, cord & cervix — variants & pathology.
- Discuss translabial scanning.
- Establish fetal lie and locate fetal structures.
- Identify and record cardiac activity,using M mode and Pulsed wave (>12 weeks).
- Locate correct planar anatomy & measure fetal biometry (BPD, HC, AC & FL & EFW).
- Identify signs of fetal wellbeing.
- Assess and measure the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) and Deepest Vertical Pocket (DVP).
- Assess and perform the measurements of the umbilical artery cord doppler and the middle cerebral artery cord doppler.
- Describe the limitations of point of care ultrasound and when to on-refer the patient.
Prerequisites
The prior ultrasound experience assumed for this course is highlighted below.
| None/Minimal | Don’t use ultrasound |
| Limited | Use ultrasound weekly/monthly |
| Moderate/Experienced | Use ultrasound daily/weekly |
Accreditation
ASUM
ASUM accredited training program. CCPU Units included in this course:
- Basic Early Pregnancy
- Basic Monitoring the Fetus
ACEM
Approved for Educational Activities 15.25 hours.
ACRRM
This course is approved for 16 total activity hours. PDP units: 1 Performance Review, 15 Educational Activity. MOPS points: 1. Grant eligibility: Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Surgery.
RACGP
CPD Approved Activity under RACGP 2023-25 CPD program. Approved for Educational Activities 4 hours, Reviewing Performance 10.5 hours, specific requirements diagnostic radiology, 2 days Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Surgery and Emergency Medicine training grants. Provider Number 214288, Activity ID 394853.
ACM
Australian College of Midwives CPD Endorsed Activity.
HOURS
| Theoretical | 4.25 |
| Practical | 8 |
| Total | 12.25 |
CATERING
Morning tea, a light lunch and refreshments are provided each day.