Gesterol 100

Gestational Sac

The gestational sac is an early stage of pregnancy that is typically visible on ultrasound imaging. It is the first structure that can be recognized within the uterus in a pregnant woman. The gestational sac is filled with amniotic fluid and encloses the developing embryo.

Formation

The gestational sac forms around five to six weeks of pregnancy. It is formed by the decidua and the chorionic villi, which are specialized tissues that develop from the fertilized egg. The gestational sac is initially spherical in shape and increases in size as the pregnancy progresses.

Role in Pregnancy

The gestational sac plays a crucial role in the development of the embryo. It provides a protective environment for the embryo and is involved in the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the embryo. The gestational sac also produces hormones that are essential for maintaining the pregnancy.

Clinical Significance

The size and shape of the gestational sac can provide important clues about the health of a pregnancy. For example, a small gestational sac relative to the size of the embryo can be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Similarly, an irregularly shaped gestational sac can indicate a problem with the pregnancy.

See Also

• Pregnancy
• Ultrasound
• Embryo
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy

References

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