Fetal Node in Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

In early pregnancy, the fetal node is a term sometimes used interchangeably with the fetal pole, representing the initial visible sign of embryonic development. The fetal node appears as a thickening adjacent to the yolk sac and is typically detectable via transvaginal ultrasound around 6 weeks of gestation. Its presence confirms an intrauterine pregnancy and assists in estimating gestational age. Monitoring the fetal node is crucial for assessing pregnancy health and progression. An absent or abnormally small fetal node may indicate potential complications, necessitating further evaluation.