Studies of uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics by Doppler ultrasonography.

The role of Doppler ultrasonographic techniques in examining blood velocity waveforms in the different fetal and uteroplacental arteries is evaluated, and the association between pathologic blood velocity waveforms and early signs of disease is reviewed. These areas are discussed with respect to umbilicoplacental circulation, uterine circulation, and fetal cerebral and peripheral hemodynamics. Also reviewed are the use of Doppler techniques to determine the effects of vasoactive agents on the uterine and fetal circulation, and the use of color Doppler imaging in the exact localization of the short and small uterine and fetal vessels.