Doppler ultrasound during pregnancy is recommended sometimes by the doctor to measure blood flow in different parts of the body. Read on to know the relevance of this test and when it is recommended.Pregnant women in modern society find themselves confused about what prenatal tests they should take and which ones they should avoid or take only when recommended by the doctor. In this technology-happy society, finding advantages and disadvantages as well as appropriateness of the tests becomes very important.
It is more important to note that discussing prenatal tests can seem simple or incredibly complicated, depending on the level of information you need. But, it is important you learn about certain facts like why do you need to go for the test and what are the consequences if you did not opt for that test.
What is Doppler Sonography?
Reflected sound waves are used to measure blood flow in different parts of the body of the child. It will help your caregiver or doctor learn about the health of your child. This can be done at the same time when
ultrasound tests are going on. Most of the ultrasound machines have this facility and when your doctor wants to evaluate a specific blood vessel, she will press the button to turn on the Doppler function.
When is Doppler Ultrasound Used?
Doppler ultrasound is used in women with high risk pregnancies and it could be done during the third trimester. Women who have low levels of amniotic fluid,
twins sharing single placenta, Rh-incompatibility or when the growth of the baby is not as it should be.
Colour Doppler ultrasound is used by the doctor to see the flow of blood from placenta to the baby’s body. This helps the doctor decide whether the child needs to be delivered early or other medical measures can be taken to protect her health.
Doppler ultrasound is also used during a transvaginal ultrasound for gynaecological reasons. For example, it can be conducted to check on ovarian cyst or diagnose an
ectopic pregnancy.
Types of Doppler Ultrasound Tests
There are three main types of Doppler ultrasound – continuous, duplex and colour.
Continuous Doppler Ultrasound
In this test, the doctor makes use of a small, portable unit to listen to the reflected sounds and it gives indication of potential restrictions in the blood flow of the foetus.
Duplex Doppler Ultrasound
This technique produces a visual picture along with the sound waves. The sounds are converted to graph with the help of a computer program to get better understanding of the speed and movement of the blood flow of the foetus.
Colour Doppler Ultrasound
This is similar to duplex Doppler ultrasound and the difference is that a colour picture the speed and movement of blood flow is created from the sounds instead of a graph.
Power Doppler ultrasound is the form of colour Doppler ultrasound and is used for getting a closer look for the blood flow inside the organs.
Why is colour Doppler Ultrasound Done during Pregnancy?
Though there are many diagnostic uses of Doppler ultrasound, this test is done during
pregnancy for limited reasons and is carried out only for foetal and pregnancy health. Doctors carry out this test to check foetal umbilical blood flow, flow of blood in heart and brain and placental blood flow.
Colour Doppler ultrasound helps doctors determine whether restricted blood flow during pregnancy due to RH sensitization, sickle cell
anaemia or restricted blood vessels are the cause behind foetal abnormalities.
However, restricted blood flow in foetus can cause:
- Reduced size
- Lower birth weight
- Weak development
A special form of Doppler ultrasound called Transcranial Doppler can help reduce the risk of the stroke if sickle cell anaemia is diagnosed during the test. It is an excellent way to test whether the baby is anaemic or not.
What is the relevance of colour Doppler ultrasound test? When is Doppler ultrasound advised for pregnant women? How Doppler ultrasound help to prevent complications in pregnancy? Discuss here. 
