Obstetric Foetal Doppler Ultrasound Scan

Purpose of the scan

• Checks how well blood is moving through the umbilical cord, brain, and other vital vessels
• Identifies early signs of foetal distress or growth problems
• Guides timely medical decisions to protect both mother and baby

Local availability at Cadabams Diagnostics

Our centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad are open 7 days a week, with same-day appointments and radiologists who specialise in maternal–foetal imaging.

Colour Doppler

Visualises blood vessels in red and blue to see flow direction instantly.

Pulsed-wave Doppler

Measures exact speed at a single point—ideal for umbilical and cerebral vessels.

Power Doppler

Higher sensitivity for tiny vessels; useful when flow is very low.

• Suspected foetal growth restriction (FGR)
• Hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia
• Decreased foetal movements or abnormal heart-rate patterns

Recommended weeks of pregnancy

• First scan: 24–28 weeks for low-risk pregnancies
• Follow-up: 28–40 weeks if any concern arises

Risk factors requiring Doppler

• Maternal high blood pressure or diabetes
• Previous small-for-dates baby
• Decreased foetal movements
• Abnormal fundal height or standard ultrasound findings

• Early detection of complications before symptoms appear
• Completely non-invasive and painless—no needles or sedation
• Helps doctors decide on timely interventions like medication, early delivery, or closer monitoring

• Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR)
• Placental insufficiency
• Foetal anaemia (linked to Rhesus disease or infections)

• Clothing: Wear a two-piece outfit so the abdomen can be easily exposed.
• Bladder: A partially full bladder improves image quality; drink 500 ml water 30 minutes before.
• What to bring: Doctor’s referral, previous scan reports, and your pregnancy file.

• Valid doctor referral note
• Available previous pregnancy records for comparison.

• Ideal gestational age: 24–40 weeks
• High-risk mums may need scans every 2–4 weeks as advised by the obstetrician.

• All pregnant women under obstetrician guidance
• High-risk pregnancy prioritisation—earlier and more frequent scans when needed.

1. Check-in: Arrive 10 minutes early; complete a short consent form.
2. Positioning: Lie comfortably on the scan bed; a warm gel is applied.
3. Scan duration: 15–30 minutes, depending on foetal cooperation.
4. Post-scan: Wipe off gel, receive a thermal image, and schedule your next appointment if required.

• Inform the technician about any allergies to ultrasound gel.
• Disclose implantable devices (e.g., insulin pump) that may interfere.

Safety profile

• No radiation; uses only sound waves
• Extensive studies show no harm to mother or baby

Limitations in detection

• May miss subtle changes in very early disease
• Quality depends on foetal position and maternal body habitus