The assessment of fetal growth, development and overall health are all part of standard prenatal care. However, some pregnancies can become complicated when facing issues like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal anaemia, necessitating additional monitoring so that appropriate intervention can be done at the right time. That’s where tests like multi-vessel Doppler study come into the picture. Let’s know what it is and why it is essential.
A fetal Doppler scan is a non-invasive, advanced ultrasound technique used in prenatal care to assess the blood flow in different blood vessels of the fetus. This procedure uses Doppler ultrasound to study the movement of the blood by detecting the change in the frequency of reflected sound waves.
This study provides critical information about fetal health and development by tracking blood flow velocities and patterns in major vessels like the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, maternal uterine arteries and ductus venosus. It is often used to identify complications such as intrauterine growth restriction and fetal anaemia, enabling timely interventions.
When the fetus’s red blood cell count is excessively low, it might result in fetal anaemia and hypoxia, or low oxygen levels. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler is very helpful in this situation since it can identify symptoms of fetal anaemia by measuring the blood flow velocity. Blood flow in the MCA rises in anaemic fetuses to make up for the oxygen deficiency.
Key indicators of fetal anaemia from Doppler studies:
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) refers to a condition in which fetal growth is poor due to inadequate nutrient and oxygen supply. Multi-vessel Doppler studies help evaluate placental insufficiency and other factors contributing to IUGR. The Doppler study focuses on several fetal and maternalvessels to determine blood flow patterns, which can indicate whether the fetus is compensating for reduced nutrient and oxygen availability.
For fetal anaemia, early detection via MCADoppler can lead to interventions such as in-utero transfusion, improving fetal outcomes.
In cases of IUGR, Doppler studies help guide clinical decisions regarding the timing of delivery, ensuring the fetus is delivered before the condition worsens.
A Multi-vessel Doppler Study is an essential diagnostic tool for monitoring fetal health during pregnancy. By providing valuable insights into blood flow patterns and velocities in key vessels, this non-invasive procedure allows fetal medicine experts to identify potential complications early on.
If you have any questions or concerns about the health of your fetus, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Tejas Tamhane, the best fetal medicine specialist in Pune, for further information or to schedule a Fetal Doppler Scan in Pune at Precious Clinic for Advanced Fetal Medicine.