Fetal Doppler

Fetal dopplerometry is one of the additional ways to study the child's condition, the purpose of which is to establish the nature and speed of blood flow in the "fetal-placenta-mother" system. This analysis is of particular importance, since it makes it possible to identify the fetoplacental deficiency in the retardation of fetal development in the womb. Most often, doppler is performed in the third trimester of gestation, as the process of delivery is approaching. The study is carried out using a special sensor attached to a standard ultrasound machine.


The principle of the ultrasound of the fetus with dopplerometry

This method has been successfully applied in practice for almost a quarter of a century, which became possible due to its simplicity, informativeness and security. The essence of the Doppler effect is as follows: ultrasonic vibrations having a clearly established frequency are sent to tissues and are reflected from the red blood cells that are in motion. As a result, ultrasound reflected by erythrocytes is returned back to the sensor, but its frequency has already been changed. The magnitude of the changes that occurred at the set frequency of ultrasound, and will indicate the direction and speed of movement of red blood cells.

When are indicators of fetal dopplerometry needed?

This type of study is relevant in the event that there is a possible violation of placental uterine blood flow. Women at risk are at risk:

Also, there is often a need for dopplerometry of fetal vessels, especially in cases where ultrasound revealed the following disorders in its development:

What is the difference between a doppler for listening to fetal heartbeats and ultrasound?

The most significant difference is that the necessary data obtained with the help of ultrasound apparatus are read from a black and white image. Doppler gives only a color picture. Such a study "colors" absolutely all the blood streams in the vessels in different shades and colors, which completely depend on the speed of movement of red blood cells and their route.

Explanation of fetal doplerometry

The results of the study are better discussed with the doctor, since different ultrasound machines can be equipped with their own abbreviation. The most common notation is:

  1. SDO-systolic-diastolic ratio, which is established for each artery separately and means the quality of blood movement in it;
  2. IPC - uteroplacental movement of blood, characterizing the presence of failures in the system of blood flow between these organs;
  3. FPN - feto-placental shortage, disturbances in blood flows in the "baby-placenta" system.

There are also other designations and abbreviations that indicate the place of research, norms, deviations and other factors.

It is necessary to understand that the norms of dopplerometry of the fetus are the indices testifying to the absence of any violations in the process of carrying out the analysis. Do not panic if the study found deviations. Modern medicine has a sufficient "arsenal" in order to correct the course of gestation.