Investigation of the uteroplacental circulation by Doppler ultrasound.

Doppler assessment of the uteroplacental circulation can be performed easily. In early pregnancy, it may identify pregnancies at risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension and IUGR. In late pregnancy, a high impedance in the uteroplacental vascular bed indicates that the fetus is at risk of developing hypoxia, but the fetal and umbilical FVW are the best indicators of immediate fetal well-being. Doppler ultrasound also offers the potential for noninvasive experimental hemodynamic studies of the uteroplacental circulation.