Jozef Višňovský
Doppler examination of the foetal circulation during pregnancy plays an important role in the management and evaluation of the foetal status. It makes available not only a detailed examination of the foetal status, but indirectly also the evaluation of metabolic and respiratory reserve capacity of the foetus. Recently, besides the examination of basic foetal vessels, Doppler investigations of the foetal umbilical circulation, ductus venosus and ductus arteriosus velocimetry have come to the fore. We emphasize the examination of the foetal circulation in early pregnancy, usually in the first trimester. However, it is important to understand, that Doppler ultrasonography is a helpful method, which has its limitations of use, considering its effects on the foetus and the character of the acquired results.