The Role of Uterine Artery Doppler Sonography in Predicting Pre-eclampsia at 14-20 Weeks of Gestation

Abstract

The introduction of Doppler technology has proved the first opportunity for repetitive, non invasive hemodynamic monitoring in human pregnancy compared to other methods of maternal and fetal monitoring (Kshirsagar et al., 2016). Doppler has proved to be more sensitive in detecting early changes in uterine circulation and fetal circulation and aids in the management (Goh & Ivica 2015). It is a primary tool for fetomaternal surveillance in hypertensive pregnancies as the changes in uteroplacental and fetal circulation strongly correlate with pregnancy outcome (Goswami, 2015). Examination of multiple vessels may add value to decision making. The use of color Doppler is suitable for clinical obstetric practice, abnormal flow velocity waveforms should encourage closer fetal surveillance with other well established fetal testing modalities (Miller et al., 2017). Timing of delivery with abnormal Doppler depends on gestational age, level of neonatal intensive care, and good clinical judgment with individualization is needed.