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Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy

Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy

05.12.2023

2 mins of reading

Kinga Żebrowska

Kinga Żebrowska

Graduate of Warsaw Medical University

Ultrasound examinations are performed on every patient who is pregnant. In most of them, Doppler ultrasound is also performed. It is usually part of a routine examination, during which the doctor assesses the vascular flows in the baby or in the uterine arteries of the mother-to-be.

Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy – thrombosis

Doppler ultrasound is used in the evaluation of vascular flows. It is considered a safe test during pregnancy. Doctors order Doppler ultrasound when they suspect, for example, a. venous thrombosis. With this, the flow of the mostly venous lower extremities can be checked. Doppler ultrasound is performed when leg swelling, varicose veins or sudden pain in the lower limb appear. Similar symptoms can mean abnormal flow in the vessels. If thrombosis in pregnancy is diagnosed, it is necessary to implement anticoagulant treatment with heparins. For this reason, whenever you experience symptoms similar to those described above, you should consult your doctor.

Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy – flows in the baby

Doppler ultrasound is used during pregnancy to assess the baby’s vascular flows. The gynecologist assesses flow in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical artery (UA) and venous conduit (DV). Abnormal flow values and velocity in the middle cerebral artery suggest, among other things. Anemia in a child or centralization of circulation. Doppler ultrasound is particularly useful in monitoring the well-being of a fetus with, for example, growth restriction (SGA or FGR).

Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy – first trimester

Doppler ultrasound is also used during the first trimester examination. It is used to evaluate, among other things. heart and the number of chambers, the left ventricular outflow tract or the projection of the vessels coming out of the heart. Thanks to this, the doctor is able to assess the normal structure of the fetal circulatory system or notice abnormalities and refer the patient for a detailed echo of the baby’s heart.

Besides, during the composite test, which is performed in the first trimester, it is necessary to assess the flow in the uterine arteries of the pregnant woman. This is because they are one of the elements used to estimate an expectant mother’s risk of preeclampsia.

In contrast, it is currently inadvisable to use Doppler ultrasound for pregnancies under 10. of the week. In order to “listen” to the heartbeat (FHR), a technique known as the “heart rate” is then used. M-mode.

Read also
: Genetic ultrasound

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