When does the fetal pole show on ultrasound?
The first visible mark of a developing, human embryo is the fetal pole. It is usually detectable by vaginal ultrasound between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 weeks of gestational age, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA). The presence of the fetal pole can help determine the viability of the pregnancy, as well as the fetal age.Gestational AgeGestational age is measured from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual cycle. When detecting a fetal pole at 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 weeks gestational age, the actual age of the fetus is 3 1/2 weeks to 4 1/2 weeks.UltrasoundAn ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images on a monitor. The sound waves reflect off structures, such as organs or a fetus, inside the body. During pregnancy, doctors use abdominal or vaginal ultrasounds. For an abdominal ultrasound, the probe or transducer is placed on the abdomen. In a vaginal ultrasound, which is used in early pregnancy, a probe is inserted into the vagina.Fetal Pole CharacteristicsThe fet
