Examining a baby's health, development, and placement in the uterus is essential before the baby is born. The sonographer performs the test using ultrasonography. It usually happens between the 28th and 39th week of pregnancy. Doppler ultrasonography measures sound waves that reflect moving things, including red blood cells. This phenomenon is known as the Doppler effect.

About the Test

The ultrasonic waves used in a Doppler scan are high-frequency sound waves that are not audible to human ears. A microphone captures the echo-like ultrasound that the machine produces as it travels through bones and other tissues. The sonographer applies a gel to your stomach and rubs the transducers gently against the body to scan. Denser parts of the body, like bones, give off a good echo than the gentler parts of the body. The images of the baby will appear on the computer screen, correlating the echo.

Risk Factors Associated with the Test

There are no risks associated with a scan with a Doppler sensor. It does not affect uterine tissues, the heart, brain, blood vessels, or the fetus. Doppler ultrasound scanning is a safer method than more intrusive diagnostic equipment.

Preparing for the Test

You do not need to take any precautions before getting a Doppler scan. Women should avoid smoking and using nicotine-containing products at least two hours before the test. Nicotine may induce blood vessels to tighten, leading to a misleading diagnosis of pathological constriction. You should dress up comfortably for the clinic and drink plenty of water.

What to Expect from the Test?

You can expect the following from the fetal Doppler scan:

Predict the fetal weight to determine the size of the fetus' head, belly, and thigh bone.
Observe the fetus' movements.
Assess the position of the placenta.
To evaluate the placental and fetal blood flow using colour Doppler ultrasonography.
To evaluate the baby's brain's blood flow using a colour Doppler ultrasound.
To calculate the amniotic fluid volume. Fetal distress may result from having too little of this.
To determine urology problems in females.

Possible Results of the Test

A fetal well-being scan will provide the below possible results:

The fetus' presentation (Breech, Head, or transverse)
Fetal heartbeat
Some evaluation of the fetal anatomy
The infant's actions and behaviors
Blood flow in fetal brain, liver, and umbilical vessels (Doppler study)
Doppler is performed together with the standard ultrasound examination; you don't need to have it done separately.

When to See a Doctor?

Some obstetricians suggest this scan for all pregnant women. Some limit these scans to women who have had pregnancy issues in the past, such as pre-eclampsia, development retardation, diabetes, and stillbirth. It is also limited to those who have had difficulties during their pregnancy.

Conclusion

Doppler scans decrease the likelihood of high-risk pregnancies. In a Doppler scan, there are no health risks to the mother or the fetus from the ultrasound. Contrarily, if you deny undergoing an ultrasound scan at any point during the pregnancy might be unsafe.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. Does a fetal doppler scan require a full or empty bladder?

Yes, avoid urinating before the test. The exam cannot be performed without a full bladder. To fill your bladder, finish consuming 4 to 5 glasses of water one hour before your visit.

2. What are the steps involved in a doppler scan?

Steps performed during a Doppler ultrasound are:
1. You need to expose your body part being tested while you lay on a table.
2. A medical professional applies a specific gel to the part.
3. The provider will move a transducer over the region.
4. Your body receives sound waves from the apparatus.
5. The sound waves' pitch changes due to blood cell movement. During the operation, you can hear swishing or pulse-like noises.
6. Pictures are visible on the monitor when the provider captures them.
7. The healthcare professional wipes the gel from your body after the exam.
8. It takes between 30 and 60 minutes to finish the exam.

3. Can the doppler scan detect female urological problems?

Yes, a Doppler scan can detect female urological issues. You can choose a urologist for women to recommend the scan.