Obstetrics - Uterine Artery Doppler Ultrasound Measurement (UtAD)

What is a Uterine Artery Doppler Ultrasound Measurement (UtAD)?

Uterine arteries are the vessels that carry blood to your womb (uterus).

A uterine artery doppler measurement is used to check the blood flow of the uterine arteries. The flow of blood on the vessels can inform us as to whether your baby will grow to it's full potential and the likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia (a blood pressure condition in pregnancy).

It can be carried out during an ultrasound scan at around 20 - 24 weeks.

You will be offered a UtAD scan if you are more at risk of having a small baby or developing pre-eclampsia.

The doppler measurement uses sound waves to check if the blood is flowing easily (low resistance) or whether it is having to work harder (raised resistance).

What do the results mean?

• A low resistance measurement means that the blood flow to your baby is normal. A normal result also indicates that you are less likely to develop pre-eclampsia. You will be then offered growth scans every 3 weeks later in your pregnancy to monitor your babies growth
• A raised UtAD suggests there is more chance of your baby not growing as well as expected, or an increased risk of you developing pre-eclampsia. It is important to understand that this does not mean that this will happen, only that you are at increased risk. If the measurement shows a raised resistance or positive screen, then you will be offered additional monitoring, scans, hospital appointments and midwife appointments during your pregnancy. That means that if problems do arise, they can be picked up as early as possible

Further questions

We hope you have found this information helpful.

If you have any further questions, please speak to your midwife or obstetrician.