The role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in maternal medicine

J A van der Zande1, K Rijs2, A A Shamshirsaz3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly valuable tool in maternal medicine, offering rapid, bedside evaluation of critically ill pregnant patients. This study explores the expanding role of POCUS in obstetric care, particularly its application in assessing different organ systems. POCUS enables timely, accurate diagnoses and interventions, crucial for preventing maternal morbidity and mortality. While POCUS is widely used in emergency and intensive care, its potential in obstetric settings remains underexplored. Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialists, who already possess substantial ultrasound expertise, can easily integrate POCUS in daily practice.