Doppler blood flow pulsatility in the umbilical arteries

Characteristics of flow velocities in the umbilical arteries, assessed by Doppler ultrasound

“…Decreasing pulsatility with advancing pregnancy was previously demonstrated by Stuart et al (1980). Our pilot studies (Reuwer et al, 1984) confirmed preliminary observations by McCallum (1978) of increased PI values during complicated pregnancies compared with normal pregnancies. These pilot studies strongly suggest that the PI holds promise as a method for early diagnosis of impaired fetoplacental circulation.…”