Clinical Significance of Ultrasonic Measurement of Umbilical Artery Flow

Objective: To study the umbilical blood flow velocity (UmA S/D) change in various pregnancy complications and the relationship between the UmA S/D and the perinatal outcome. Methods: The ultrasonic measurement of the UmA S/D was made within 2 days before delivery in 200 singleton pregnant women. The information about pregnancy complication, umbilical cord, placenta, amnio fluid, delivery pattern and Apgar score was recorded. Results: The UmA S/D was reversely correlated with gestationsal age (r=-0.180,P0.05) and with fetal birth weight (r=-0.578, P0.001). The UmA S/D in moderate or severe PIH patients was higher than that in mild PIH patients or normal controls (P0.01). The UmA S/D in patients with umbilical cord coiling, breech presentation, preterm labor, oligoamnios or placental abnormality was higher than that in controls. There was no difference between vaginal delivery group and surgery group, but the UmA S/D in patients underwent surgery because of fetal distress was higher than that of no fetal distress (P0.001). The UmA S/D in low Apgar score group was higher than that in normal score group. Conclusion: Various pregnancy com-plications can lead to the increase of umbilical blood flow resistance. The increase of UmA S/D predicts a fetal risk. In order to obtain the best perinatal outcome, the fetal care should be intensified and the best delivery time and mode should be selected.