Skip to main content
Trichy Fetal Medicine and Fertility Centre
Pregnancy scans

Why Is a Doppler Scan Done During Pregnancy?

A Doppler scan checks blood flow to and within the baby. Learn why it is done, which vessels are measured, what results mean and when it is recommended.

In this guide
Colour Doppler scan of umbilical cord blood flow on a monitor

A Doppler scan is a type of ultrasound that measures blood flow. In pregnancy, it checks how well blood moves through the umbilical cord, the baby's brain and other vessels and the mother's uterine arteries. It helps doctors understand whether the placenta is supplying enough oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

How does doppler ultrasound work?

Doppler ultrasound detects changes in the frequency of sound waves bouncing off moving blood cells. This shows the direction and speed of blood flow as waveforms and indices that specialists interpret.

Which blood vessels are checked?

Umbilical artery

Shows how easily blood flows from the baby to the placenta. Increased resistance may indicate placental problems.

Middle cerebral artery

Shows blood flow in the baby's brain. Changes can indicate the baby is redirecting blood to the brain because of low oxygen, or may signal anaemia.

Ductus venosus

A vessel near the baby's heart that helps assess the baby's condition in more severe growth restriction.

Uterine arteries

The mother's arteries supplying the uterus. Abnormal flow may suggest a higher risk of preeclampsia or growth restriction.

Why might your doctor recommend a doppler scan?

  • Baby measuring small or suspected growth restriction
  • High blood pressure or preeclampsia
  • Diabetes in pregnancy
  • Previous pregnancy with growth problems or stillbirth
  • Twin pregnancies, especially monochorionic twins
  • Reduced fetal movements
  • Rh antibodies or suspected fetal anaemia
  • Abnormal amniotic fluid levels

What do results mean?

Normal Doppler results are reassuring. Abnormal results can range from mild changes needing closer monitoring to significant changes suggesting the baby is under stress. Your specialist interprets results alongside growth, fluid and movements to plan care.

How do results guide care?

Doppler findings help determine:

  • How often scans are needed
  • Whether steroid injections are given to help the baby's lungs if early birth is likely
  • The best timing and method of delivery

Is Doppler Safe?

Doppler is considered safe when performed for medical reasons by trained professionals, using appropriate settings and duration.

Before your appointment

A Doppler scan gives a window into how well the placenta is supporting your baby. It is one of the most useful tools in high-risk pregnancy care. Dr Malathi G. Prasad offers growth and Doppler scans in Trichy.

If this applies to your pregnancy, our growth scan with Doppler page explains what the visit involves, or you can meet our specialists before you decide anything.

Common questions

Sources

  1. Bhide A, et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): use of Doppler velocimetry in obstetrics. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2021. · isuog.org
  2. Khalil A, et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of third-trimester obstetric ultrasound scan. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2024. · isuog.org

This guide is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a fetal medicine specialist.

In line with the PCPNDT Act, we do not perform or support sex determination.

Share this guideWhatsApp

Related guides

Book your appointment

Call us, message us on WhatsApp, or send a request and our team will call you back to schedule your visit.

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM