During pregnancy, your biggest hope and biggest responsibility is that the little one in your womb grows healthy and well. You touch your belly every day and talk to your baby, hoping for a healthy baby. But sometimes, when you look at the normal scan reports, when the doctor talks, you can feel a little scared and suspicious. When you are told, "The baby's growth seems to be insufficient," you feel a great burden in your heart. At such times, we are talking about a very important medical test that is performed to further confirm the baby's well-being.
What is Doppler Velocimetry?
Simply put, this is also a type of ultrasound scan. But this one is a little different from the scan you usually have. A normal scan measures things like the baby's organs, length, and weight. Sometimes, the baby's heartbeat is also heard.
But this Doppler scan (Doppler Velocimetry) does something even deeper. It looks at the speed and pattern of blood flowing through the blood vessels that carry blood to the baby.
Think of it this way. The umbilical cord is the connection between you and your baby. It's like a highway that carries everything your baby needs to survive, like food, water, and oxygen. A Doppler scan checks to see if the blood is flowing smoothly along this road. It also checks the blood supply to the uterus from the placenta. Only if this blood supply is good can the baby get the nutrients and oxygen it needs.
The important thing is that this is a different, more detailed test than the regular Doppler test, which simply listens to the baby's heartbeat.
Who needs this scan?
This is not a test that is done for all pregnant women. Your doctor will only order this test if they have any concerns. A Doppler scan is usually recommended in such cases.
| Reason | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) | If the scan shows that the baby's weight and length are less than expected, this is medically called Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) . |
| Your medical conditions | If you had a condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or kidney disease before you became pregnant. |
| Complications during pregnancy | If a condition such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia) occurs during pregnancy. |
| Decreased amniotic fluid | If the scan shows that the amount of water around the baby is low. |
| Twin births | When carrying twins or more babies, make sure each baby is getting proper nutrition. |
| Anemia in the baby | If for some reason it is suspected that the baby has anemia, this test is performed to specifically check the blood supply to the brain. |
How is this scan done? Does it hurt?
Don't worry about this at all. A Doppler scan is a painless, completely safe test. It won't harm you or your baby.
This is done exactly like your other ultrasound scans.
1. You are made to lie down on a bed.
2. Then a special gel is applied to your stomach.
3. The doctor or technician places a small device (probe) on top of this gel and slowly moves it back and forth.
At this point, the high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound waves) emitted by the device go inside, hit the red blood cells in the blood vessels, and are reflected back. That data appears as a color diagram on the computer screen. That's how the doctor understands the exact speed and pattern of blood flow.
What do the results of the report say?
The report you receive after the scan will provide your doctor with a lot of important information .
- If the results are normal: This means that the baby is getting the blood and nutrients it needs. This is very reassuring news. The doctor advises you to continue your pregnancy as normal.
- Abnormal Results: If the report shows any abnormalities or blockages in blood flow, don't worry. This means that you and your baby need to be monitored a little more closely .
Now let's see what kind of things the doctor can do.
- Further tests: You may be asked to repeat this Doppler scan once a week. You may also be referred for other tests, such as a CTG (Nonstress Test) or a Biophysical Profile , which monitors the baby's heartbeat and movements.
- Close monitoring: You will be brought to the clinic frequently to monitor the baby's condition. You may also be asked to stay in the hospital.
- Early Delivery: Sometimes, the doctor may decide that it is better for the baby to be taken out and treated by specialists rather than left in the womb. This decision is made for the safety of the baby. Don't worry about it, your doctor will choose the best and safest option for you and your baby.
How often do I need to do this scan?
This is different for each person. As mentioned earlier, this is not a test that is done for everyone. Your doctor will decide whether and how often you need to do this based on your and your baby's health.
For some people, it may be enough to do it just once. For someone who has ongoing concerns about their baby's development, you may need to do this test weekly or biweekly. This will all be determined by your doctor's advice. So, talk to him about any questions or concerns you have.
Take-Home Message
- Doppler velocimetry is not a routine test performed on everyone during pregnancy. It is only performed if a doctor deems it necessary.
- This mainly checks whether the baby is receiving adequate blood supply through the umbilical cord and placenta.
- This is a completely painless and safe test. There is nothing to be afraid of.
- Based on the results of the test, doctors can make decisions to provide the best care for your baby and deliver your baby early if necessary.
- If you have any fears or doubts about this, discuss it openly with your doctor and resolve it.
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