Aim: Pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are among the most common causes of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the value of uterine artery Doppler in the second subsequent pregnancy in a low risk population for the prediction of pre-eclampsia and IUGR at any gestational age.
Methods: Patients were randomized into two different groups: group A (nine patients) with positive notching both at week 20 and 24 in both pregnancies; group B (five patients) with bilateral positive notching at week 20 and 24 only in the second pregnancy.
Results: During the second pregnancy IUGR rate was 11.1% in patients of group A and 60% in patients of group B (P=0.0949). During the first pregnancy IUGR reached 44.4% in group A and 0% in group B (P=0.2208).
Conclusion: In conclusion no significant increase of IUGR has been detected if the abnormal maternal Doppler ultrasound recurs in subsequent pregnancies.