Question

When can you see fetal heart motion on TVU? What beta-hCG level does this correspond to?

a) 5 weeks gestation; 1,500 mIU/mL
b) 6 weeks gestation; 2,000 mIU/mL
c) 7 weeks gestation; 2,500 mIU/mL
d) 8 weeks gestation; 3,000 mIU/mL

Answer 1

Fetal heart motion is typically visible by 6 weeks of gestation with a beta-hCG level of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 mIU/mL. The level of 1,500 mIU/mL is often used as a clinical reference point, aligning most closely with choice (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

Fetal heart motion can be detected with transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) and is usually visible by 6 weeks of gestation, corresponding with a beta-hCG level of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 mIU/mL. This threshold can vary, but in clinical settings, a level of 1,500 mIU/mL is commonly used as a reference point for when one could expect to see a heartbeat via TVU, bringing the closest corresponding answer to (a) - at 5 weeks gestation with a beta-hCG level around 1,500 mIU/mL, although it's more commonly associated with 6 weeks gestation in practice. The detection of fetal heartbeat is an important milestone in fetal development and significantly reduces the likelihood of miscarriage.