We have discussed that:
- Uterine arteries are the maternal vessels supplying the uterus with blood. The pressure/resistance in these vessels is associated with the blood supply to, and function of, the placenta.
- Most people with “raised Dopplers” (high pulsatility index; PI) have a normal pregnancy. However, compared with people with a lower uterine artery PI, there is a higher likelihood of hypertension in pregnancy (including pre-eclampsia), fetal growth restriction, and the need for early/preterm birth.
- Overall, the risk of stillbirth remains small, but somewhat higher than for other pregnancies. For this reason, planned birth (e.g. induction of labour) may be recommended, particularly for women with a moderately or severely raised PI, to reduce the risk of stillbirth with ongoing pregnancy.