Importance of venous flow assessment for clinical decision-making

In recent years Doppler ultrasound examinations of fetal venous circulation has given new insight into fetal hemodynamics. Blood flow in the systemic circulation has a pulsating pattern which reflects fetal central venous pressure. Characteristic changes in the blood velocity waveform have been described in different clinical conditions like congestive heart failure, imminent fetal asphyxia and arrhythmias. Recording fetal venous blood flow by Doppler ultrasound can thus give important clinical information and has with time gained a place as one of the most valuable tools for fetal surveillance in high-risk pregancies.