Abstract
Introduction: The measurement of fetal umbilical blood flow using Doppler ultrasound is a well-established tool in the management of high-risk pregnancies and has resulted in improved outcome. However, there is paucity of data concerning the normal parameters in Nigeria. This study is aimed at assessing the fetal umbilical artery indices in pregnant Nigerian women. Methods: This was a cross sectional prospective study carried out at the Niger delta university teaching hospital, silhouette radio diagnostic consultants Yenagoa and federal medical centre. A total of 400 pregnant women between the gestational ages of 20 – 40 weeks were evaluated within a one-year period using a 2014 Philips HD 11 ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5Mhz curvilinear probe having colour, pulsed wave and power Doppler facilities. Results: The mean age and BMI were 30 ± 6 years and 29.9±5.76 kg/m2 respectively while the mean umbilical artery systolic velocity and end diastolic velocities were 40.07± 8.99m/s and 17.44±6.37m respectively. The mean resistivity index (RI) is 0.57. There was a negative correlation of RI with Gestational age (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fetal umbilical artery Doppler parameters are essential tool in management of high-risk pregnancies and has resulted in an improved outcome. This study is to serve as a baseline for further studies with a larger sample size.
Keywords: Fetal; Umbilical; Artery; Doppler; Pregnancies.