Fetal Doppler ultrasonography provides an effective and noninvasive approach to identify circulatory abnormalities in the maternal-fetal circulation. It is invaluable to assess the hemodynamic status of the fetus under a wide range of physiologic, infectious, and abnormal anatomic conditions. Findings from these studies are often used to make clinical decisions, including whether to proceed with urgent delivery of the fetus. In this review, we focus on key literature describing the main uses of Doppler ultrasonography in neonatal medicine, including how abnormal findings may be implicated in immediate and long-term outcomes. Our review highlights the importance of fetal Doppler examination as an effective intrauterine management strategy, and its full potential is more likely to be realized when considered in context with other available clinical information.
Copyright © 2019 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.