Uterine Artery Doppler Measurement
What is a uterine artery Doppler measurement?
Uterine arteries are the vessels that carry blood to your womb (uterus). A uterine artery Doppler measurement is used to assess the blood flow between you and your baby, and it is usually carried out as part of your ultrasound scan.
The Doppler measurement is used to assess whether blood is flowing easily (low resistance) or whether it has to work harder to flow (raised resistance).
When will this measurement be done?
This will be offered to you at the time of your anomaly scan at 20 weeks.
What do the results mean?
A low resistance result indicates that there is a good amount of blood reaching your baby and helping your baby continue to grow. We also know that a low resistance flow means you are less likely to develop pre- eclampsia during your pregnancy.
Sometimes the measurement will show a raised resistance. A raised resistance may suggest that your baby is more likely not to grow as well as expected, and that you are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia during your pregnancy. It is important to understand that this does not mean your baby will be small or you will develop pre-eclampsia only that it is more likely to happen.
If we see raised resistance we will offer you additional monitoring with more frequent ultrasound scans. An appointment will be arranged for you by the antenatal team before you leave the department. In addition, because of the increased risk of you developing pre-eclampsia, it is important that you attend all your antenatal appointments with your midwife so that any symptoms of pre-eclampsia can be picked up promptly.
Having regular assessment of your blood pressure and urine during your pregnancy will also ensure that we can identify any problems as early as possible. We recommend that in your first pregnancy you see your midwife at 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 41 weeks. If this is a subsequent pregnancy we recommend that you see the midwife at 28, 34, 36, 38, and 41 weeks.
Is there anything else I need to do?
It is important that you are aware of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and that if you develop any symptoms that you contact our Maternity Assessment Suite (Triage) for advice and assessment. Detailed below are some of the symptoms that should alert you:
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Severe headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
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Problems with vision, such as blurring or flashing before the eyes
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Severe pain just below the ribs
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Nausea or vomiting
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Heartburn that doesn’t go away with antacids
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Rapidly increasing swelling of the face, hands or feet (for example if your watch or rings suddenly don't fit.)
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Feeling very unwell.
Another way to help would be to keep a close observation of your baby's movements and know what is right for your baby. Feeling your baby move is a sign they are well.
If your baby moves less or if you notice a change this can sometimes be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. If you are concerned we would recommend that you contact your local unit for advice and assessment. We are able to see you 24 hours a day so don’t wait if you are concerned. The 24 hour number to call will be on your appointment card.
Date of Publication: 07/12/2021
Reference Number: lc00013406 / PIL178
Review Date: 01/12/2024