Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy - the norm

In addition to research and evaluation of the fetoplacental blood flow, doppler ultrasound can evaluate such important factors as growth and condition of the fetus, the amount of amniotic fluid, and fetal movements. In addition, using this method of research, it becomes possible to measure the dimensions of the head, thorax, abdomen, fetal limbs, and determine its approximate weight.

Dopplerography is especially indicated for pregnant women with multiple pregnancy, Rhesus-conflict, kidney disease, blood vessels, gestosis, as well as detection of lag growth and fetal development.

The main purpose of doppler ultrasound

The effect of doppler is widely used in pregnancy to assess blood flow in the arteries of the placenta, uterus and fetus, which allows to judge whether a child receives enough oxygen and nutrients. Using the technique of dopplerometry, specialists are able to obtain curves of blood flow velocities in the vessels of the uterus-placenta-fetus system. Further, based on the computed vascular resistance indices, the results obtained are analyzed. At the same time, the arteries of umbilical cord, uterine arteries and fetal vessels are studied.

With the help of doppler ultrasound, a number of serious disorders can be identified, such as placental insufficiency and intrauterine fetal hypoxia. In addition, Doppler study helps to determine the cause of fetal maleness (for example, lack of nutrients), and also in time to suspect anemia in the fetus, which requires an immediate change in the tactics of pregnancy and childbirth.

Indicators of doppler in pregnancy

The results of the doppler, performed during pregnancy, make it possible to judge of certain violations in the development of the fetus. Consider the main indicators obtained as a result of carrying out a doppler ultrasound in pregnancy.

Circulatory disorders : have 3 degrees. The first of them speaks about the violation of blood flow between the uterus and the placenta while maintaining the blood flow between the placenta and the fetus and vice versa. At the second degree of circulatory disturbance, there is a simultaneous disturbance of blood flow between the uterus and the placenta and the placenta and fetus, which does not achieve critical changes. If there are critical disturbances of blood flow between the placenta and the fetus, this indicates the presence of a third degree of circulatory disturbance.

Violations of the hemodynamics of the fetus (hemodynamics - this movement of blood in the vessels): also have 3 degrees. At the first there is a disturbance of blood flow only in the artery of the umbilical cord. At the second degree there is a violation of the hemodynamics of the fetus, which is dangerous due to the fetal hypoxia. The third degree is characterized by a critical state of hemodynamics and increased fetal hypoxia. There is a decrease in blood flow in the aorta of the fetus until its complete absence, as well as the violation of resistance in the internal carotid artery.

Doppler Rates in Pregnancy

As for deciphering the results of Dopplerography and comparing them with the norms of doppler ultrasound in pregnancy, then it is better to leave it to specialists, since self-interpretation of Doppler study is difficult if you do not have special knowledge. One can only cite some norms on the basis of which the state of development of the fetus is assessed. Among them: the norms of the index of uterine artery resistance, the norms of the index of resistance of the umbilical arteries, the norms of the pulsation index in the fetal aorta, the norm of the pulsation index of the middle cerebral artery of the fetus and others.

Compliance with these standards is assessed according to the timing of pregnancy, as well as taking into account possible fluctuations in the indices.