Doppler information pertaining to the intrapartum period

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of color-Doppler velocimetry during the labor. 325 intrapartal measurements of the umbilical artery, fetal aorta, middle cerebral artery and arcuate arteries were performed in a group of 105 patients. The resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were measured. During the active labor the RI and PI of the umbilical artery remained unchanged. The impedance in arcuate arteries have increased (p < 0.05). The RI and PI of the middle cerebral artery showed non significantly increased mean values when compared with the corresponding values during pregnancy. But, a short term, transitory decreased impedance is registered during the decrement slope of contraction. Since fetal outcome was normal in all newborns, these changes are considered as physiologic.