Objective: Uterine artery flow velocity was prospectively assessed using Doppler ultrasound at 12–14 and 22–24 weeks of gestation in the prediction of subsequent complications related to uteroplacental insufficiency: preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, fetal growth restriction, fetal death and placental abruption, and to elucidate its relationship with birth weight. Methods: Uterine artery Doppler assessment was obtained during routine ultrasound screening in 263 unselected women. Flow velocity waveforms were coded according to the number of notches present at each scanning, respectively: none (0, 0), uni-/bilateral notches that disappeared (1, 0) or (2, 0), uni-/bilateral notches that persisted unilaterally (1, 1) or (2, 1), and persistent bilateral notches (2, 2). Results: Complete outcome data was obtained for 243 (92.4%) women. Of these women, 55 (22.6%) and 84 (34.6%) women had uni- and bilateral notches, respectively, at 12–14 weeks’ gestation; 14 (5.8%) and 21 (8.6%) patients had uni- and bilateral notches, respectively, at 22–24 weeks’ gestation. Analysis of complication rates for the four groups showed that they increased with notch persistence (5.7, 13.5, 57.1 and 76.2%), while the corresponding mean birth weight declined (3,273, 3,180, 2,698 and 2,418 g). Conclusion: The absence or early disappearance of uterine artery notches is associated with fewer complications related to uteroplacental insufficiency and normal birth weight, whereas their late and partial disappearance or bilateral persistence tends to compromise the prognosis.
