Colour Doppler Ultrasound during Pregnancy

This test can be performed between 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy to diagnose abnormalities such as malformations in the foetus. It can determine the flow of fluid in foetal trachea and blood flow through its blood vessels, ie arteries and veins, which can then be used to detect conditions of the respiratory system and blood circulation in the foetus. It is also performed between 31 to 41 weeks of pregnancy to diagnose intrauterine growth retardation of the baby.

Some of the following conditions in a baby can be diagnosed using ultrasound pregnancy-colour Doppler:

• Heart-related defects 
• Malformations in blood vessels of brain
• Pulmonary hypoplasia, ie, incomplete development of lungs
• Foetal tumours
• Malformations in kidneys in foetus
• Diaphragmatic hernia, ie, an abnormal opening in the muscle called the diaphragm, which is present between the chest and abdomen and helps in breathing
• Duodenal stenosis, ie, a partially blocked duodenum (first part of the small intestine) in the baby

Ultrasound pregnancy-colour Doppler can be used to guide the removal of tissue remnants in the womb following delivery.

It is also performed to diagnose placenta accreta, a condition, in which, the placenta is deeply attached to the inside of the woman's womb, so that a part of the placenta stays attached to the womb even after delivery. If ignored, it can lead to complications such as excessive blood loss in the mother.

No special preparation is needed for this test. However, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown for this test.

Ultrasound pregnancy-colour Doppler is a 30-60 minute test involving the following steps: 

• You will be asked to lie on the table, and a special gel will be applied over your abdomen 
• A transducer probe is glided over the gel
• The transducer sends sound waves to your abdomen. The pitch of  these waves changes with the movement of blood cells
• Sound waves are recorded and converted into images or graphs, which are viewed on the screen
• Once the images and sufficient details are obtained, the gel is wiped off

This test is considered safe with no risks involved.

Results of the ultrasound colour Doppler test during pregnancy may help in the diagnosis of the following conditions:

• Risk of preterm birth
• Malformation of the baby in multiple pregnancies such as twins
• Intrauterine growth restriction of the baby 
• Imbalance in the growth of twins inside the uterus
• Risk of unequal weight of twins at birth
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Placenta accreta

An ultrasound colour Doppler test usually costs in the range of 2,000 to 4,000 INR. However, the cost may vary based on the laboratory and city in which it is performed.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.