Doppler Scan

The Doppler technique in ultrasound pregnancy is a method that uses sound waves to detect the movement of blood in vessels, specifically the movement of red blood cells. It is used to study blood circulation in the fetus, uterus, and placenta. Doppler ultrasound can be used to assess blood flow to the placenta and through the umbilical cord, and it plays a crucial role in identifying the ‘at risk’ fetus and screening for potential complications in pregnancy. This technique provides important information about blood flow through the circulatory system, helping healthcare providers screen for diseases, diagnose problems, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Doppler ultrasound is a special scan we use during pregnancy to check the blood flow in your baby’s heart, its vessels, and your uterine arteries. Fetal Spectral Doppler is particularly useful for monitoring smaller babies, babies with anemia, or if you have certain health conditions.

It’s important to know that Doppler scans aren’t needed for all pregnancies. They are mainly recommended if there are specific concerns about your baby’s health, growth, or development. Please ask your health provider if you need the Doppler ultrasound.

Yes, we can perform various maternal-fetal Doppler scans as recommended by your healthcare provider. After the scan, we’ll promptly send a report of the findings to them. However, it’s important to note that we don’t use Doppler scans routinely, as their role in pregnancy screening is still a subject of ongoing medical debate.

We offer a range of Doppler scans, but we need a written or emailed request from your doctor or midwife, including their clearly indicated contact information (email, mobile phone number), before we can proceed. The types of Doppler scans we can perform include:

1. Uterine arteries: to assess blood flow in the arteries supplying the uterus.
2. Umbilical arteries: to check the blood flow in the arteries of the umbilical cord.
3. Middle cerebral artery: to evaluate blood flow in this crucial brain artery.
4. Ductus venosus: to examine blood flow in this vessel that’s important for your baby’s liver function.

We use Colour Doppler, an advanced noninvasive ultrasound technology, to help rule out fetal anomalies. This means we perform an abdominal scan, also known as an external scan.  This method visualises blood flow within the heart and blood vessels, providing detailed images of structures receiving blood. It’s especially useful for examining the fetal heart (fetal echocardiography) and for screenings like vasa previa.