Doppler velocimetry for predicting outcome of pregnancies with decreased fetal movements

• Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate umbilical artery (UA) and uterine artery (Ut.A) Doppler velocimetry in a low-risk pregnancy group with decreased fetal movements. Material and methods. Eight hundred and eighty-eight women were examined because of decreased fetal movements. All fetuses were alive on maternal admission. In all cases, UA and Ut.A Doppler velocimetries were performed, as well as a nonstress test (NST). The managing clinician was informed only of the UA Doppler. Results. In the group of 135 women who gave birth within 2 days, UA velocimetry was abnormal in seven fetuses. In 11 cases, Ut.A vascular resistance was abnormal and in 18 cases 'notch' was stated. There were 19 emergency sections in this group. Signs of increased placental vascular resistance were correlated with need for operational delivery because of fetal distress. Among the remaining 753 women who delivered after more than 2 days after examination, UA velocimetry showed abnormality in five fetuses. In 42 cases the Ut.A pulsatility index was abnormal and in 118 cases an early end diastolic 'notch' was present. There was one perinatal death in this group. Conclusions. Decreased fetal movement perception by mothers should be taken seriously. Abnormal placental Doppler was an infrequent finding in these low-risk pregnancies. However, adding UA and Ut.A Doppler velocimetries to conventional NST surveillance might be reassuring for managing clinicians.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reproduktionsmedicin och gynekologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

umbilical artery

Doppler ultrasound

fetal movements

uterine artery

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)