Why should I take the test?💡

Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that can estimate the blood flow through your blood vessels by using high-frequency sound waves. This helps to show whether different parts of your baby’s body are getting all the oxygen and nutrients via the placenta.

Your midwife may offer you a Doppler scan if they think you may be at risk of complications. If your baby is measuring small for dates or not actively kicking these days, you need extra care during your pregnancy. Doppler ultrasound is also offered to moms who have previously suffered the loss of a baby or had existing medical conditions. It is also a useful way to check your baby’s well-being and growth if there are any concerns. 

How is the test done?💉

A sonographer will put some gel on your tummy and move a transducer over your skin. Depending on what information doctors need, there are two types of Doppler scans.

Uterine artery Doppler scans

Uterine arteries are the vessels that carry your blood to your womb. These small arteries will expand to give the baby all nutrients and oxygen the baby needs to grow at a healthy state. 

An uterine artery Doppler scan will check the blood flow through these arteries so that you can receive extra care if any risks to the baby are detected.

Umbilical artery Doppler scans

If your baby’s movements are reduced, the scan will check the blood flow in umbilical arteries which carry blood from your baby to the placenta via the umbilical cord. If any issues are found during an umbilical artery Doppler scan, your obstetrician may request additional scans to look at the blood flow in the baby’s brain and aorta. 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: 

Risks of the procedure

Since the scan is noninvasive, it’s perfectly safe for your baby to have frequent Doppler scans. The benefits of having lots of checkups to monitor the baby’s health outweigh any potential risks.

Doppler scans at home

Although it is possible to hire or buy a portable Doppler machine to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home, it is not recommended for you to try it by yourself. Hand-held Dopplers are sensitive to sounds so they can pick up the sound of blood flowing or your heartbeat easily and mistake it for your baby’s heartbeat. Hence, you should leave Dopplers to trained health professionals who can differentiate them apart and interpret patterns more precisely and correctly.