Obstetric Dopplers – ULTRASOUNDPAEDIA

We would like to acknowledge Ms. Sarah Dowthwaite for providing invaluable information for this section.Oxygenated, nutrient rich blood placental blood enters the foetus via the umbilical vein.The umbilical vein joins the portal venous system in the liver, some umbilical blood is shunted directly to the IVC and right heart via Ductus Venosus.Blood from the right heart pumps to the lungs through the pumonary artery. However it is already oxygenated so is bypassed through foramen ovale (right atrium to left atrium) and Ductus arteriosus (pulmonary artery to aortic arch).Foetal blood returns to the placenta from the iliac arteries into the umbilical arteries.For a great explanation about the fetoplacental circulation pre and post partum, the following 5 minute video is extremely useful in assisting ultrasound practitioners understand the direction of blood flow.Fetal Circulation by Lisa McCabe, for OPENPediatricsFetoplacental Circulation DopplerIt is vitally important to minimise any meas...