Umbilical Artery Doppler versus Amniotic Fluid Index in Assessing Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancies beyond 34 Weeks

Abstract

Objective: To compare perinatal outcomes in patients with normal and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings.

Duration and place of study: this study was conducted in Suleman Roshan Medical College Tandoadam from May 2024 to May 2025

Methodology: This descriptive case series included 150 patients. All participants underwent ultrasound examination, and Doppler assessment was performed in cases of oligohydramnios. Based on Doppler findings, patients were divided into two groups: normal and abnormal. Perinatal outcomes were analyzed and compared between the groups using the chi-square test, with a p-value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The frequency of lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) was significantly higher among women with abnormal Doppler findings (61%) compared to those with normal results (23%) (p=0.000). Similarly, the rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was markedly greater in the abnormal Doppler group than in the normal group.

Conclusion: Umbilical artery Doppler is an effective instrument to determine the woman who is at risk of unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes in cases of oligohydramnios. The inclusion of the modality into the regular practice can contribute to the minimization and prevention of obstetric and perinatal complication.