What does a Doppler ultrasound help diagnose in pregnancies?

A Doppler ultrasound is a specialized imaging technique that primarily assesses blood flow characteristics, which is crucial during pregnancy for monitoring the well-being of the fetus. It uses the Doppler effect to measure the direction and speed of blood flow in various fetal and maternal blood vessels.

The ability to evaluate blood flow can indicate whether the fetus is experiencing distress due to inadequate blood flow, often due to issues like restricted placental function or umbilical cord problems. Detecting such conditions early can lead to timely interventions, ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby.

While determining fetal size discrepancies, amniotic fluid levels, and placental position are important aspects of prenatal care, they are typically assessed using standard ultrasound imaging rather than Doppler ultrasound. The focus of Doppler imaging on blood flow makes it particularly effective for diagnosing fetal distress related to circulatory problems, reinforcing its importance in monitoring fetal health throughout pregnancy.