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Objective. To compare the quality of ultrasound images acquired by the new PureWave Crystal transducer with those acquired by a conventional transducer in 'difficult' obstetric subjects. Methods. A predefined list of ultrasound images were obtained from 35 'difficult' obstetric patients using both conventional and new PureWave Crystal transducers by a sonographer. All images were rated using a three-point scale by an independent assessor. Both the sonographer and assessor were experienced in obstetric ultrasound and blinded to the type of transducers being used. A higher score represented better image quality. The scores of each pair of images obtained by the two different ultrasound transducers were compared. Results. The scores for images obtained by the PureWave Crystal transducer were significant higher than those by a conventional transducer, among all 10 structures examined. The new transducer was rated to enable higher diagnostic confidence (82.9%), and produced better image quality for the near field image (94.3%), the far field image (88.6%) and overall (94.3%). Conclusions. Ultrasound transducer incorporating the PureWave Crystal technology produces significantly better image quality for diagnostic purpose in difficult obstetric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]