Ultrasound in the II-III trimesters of pregnancy + Doppler (photos included)

Ultrasound examination in the 2nd–3rd trimesters of pregnancy with Doppler is a non-invasive examination used to assess fetal development and well-being, fetal anatomy, placenta, amniotic fluid, and blood flow within the maternal–placental–fetal circulation.

Doppler assessment evaluates blood flow in the uterine, umbilical and fetal vessels and, when medically indicated, provides additional information about placental and fetoplacental circulation.

Indications

• monitoring fetal development and growth;
• assessment of fetal anatomical structures;
• assessment of cardiac activity and fetal position;
• evaluation of the placenta and amniotic fluid;
• assessment of blood flow in the uterine arteries, umbilical artery and fetal vessels;
• suspected fetal growth restriction;
• pregnancy with risk factors for impaired placental circulation;
• follow-up of previously identified abnormalities;
• other medical indications determined by the physician.

Procedure / Duration

The examination is performed transabdominally using an ultrasound probe and a special gel applied to the abdomen. The physician assesses fetal development and well-being, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and other structures relevant to the gestational age.

The Doppler component evaluates blood-flow characteristics in selected maternal and fetal vessels.

During the examination, ultrasound images of the fetus may be taken and provided to the patient after the examination.

Duration: approximately 30–50 minutes, depending on gestational age and the scope of the examination.

Restrictions

The examination is non-invasive and generally does not require any recovery period. The duration may vary depending on fetal position and technical conditions.

Contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications to routine obstetric ultrasound with Doppler when performed according to medical indications.

Advantages

• non-invasive and painless examination;
• does not use ionizing radiation;
• allows monitoring of fetal development and growth;
• provides assessment of the placenta and amniotic fluid;
• Doppler provides additional information about blood flow between the mother, placenta and fetus;
• helps identify signs of possible circulatory abnormalities;
• allows ultrasound images of the fetus to be obtained.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/doppler-ultrasound/expert-answers/faq-20058452
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8200604/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16249242/