role of umblical artery velocimetry in the management of postdate pregnancy

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical value of Doppler ultrasound as regards pregnancy outcome in postdate pregnancy. Ninety-four pregnant women clinically diagnosed as postdate pregnancy were regularly monitored with Doppler velocity wave-form recording of umbilical arteries. The results showed that cases with abnormal Doppler umbilical artery velocity had higher incidence of operative delivery and neonatal intensive care admission at birth. There was a significant risk of acidosis and hypoxia in cases with absent or reversed end diastolic flow as indicated by significant changes of umbilical artery pH, PO2, PCO2, base deficit and bicarbonates. Doppler study of the umbilical artery blood flow is an important criterion during the assessment of postdate pregnancies