OBJECTIVE: To examine prospectively the value of demo¬graphic characteristics and ultrasound findings in the prediction of subsequent fetal loss in pregnancies with live fetuses at 5-11 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Transvaginal ultrasound examination was per¬formed in 324 singleton and live pregnancies at the 5th-11th weeks of gestation according to the crown-rump length measurements. The relation of demographic data and ultrasound findings at the time of the initial assessment to subsequent abortus before 20 weeks of gestation was examined. RESULTS: In the 324 singleton pregnancies with live fetuses and complete follow-up there were 28 cases resulting in abortus (%8.6). The incidence of abortus increased significantly with maternal age and decreased with gestation. In the pregnancies resulting in abortus, compared to those went over 20 weeks, the incidence of vaginal bleeding and cigarette smoking was higher, the fetal heart rate was significantly lower and the gestational sac diameter was smaller but the yolk sac diameter was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: In pregnancies with a live fetus at 5-11 weeks gestation the rate of subsequent abortus is related to maternal age, gestational age, cigarette smoking, history of vaginal bleeding and the ultrasound findings of small gestational sac diameter rela¬tive to the crown-rump length and fetal bradycardia.

Keywords: Abortus, fetal bradycardia, vaginal bleeding\r\n