Eighteen of these studies compared the use of Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery of the unborn baby with no Doppler or with cardiotocography (CTG, sometimes called electronic fetal monitoring). We found 19 trials involving over 10,000 women. However, using Doppler ultrasound could increase interventions such as caesarean section. If babies with growth problems are identified, interventions such as early delivery might help to prevent serious illness and death.
These changes may identify babies who have problems. Doppler ultrasound detects changes in the pattern of blood flow through the baby's circulation. Babies with poor growth are more likely to have complications, resulting in babies being ill or dying. Also, sometimes babies do not grow well for reasons we do not fully understand. However, when the mother has a medical problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, or the placenta does not develop properly, this may affect the growth of the baby.
Most babies in high-income countries grow well in the womb.
