CONTROVERSIES IN THIRD TRIMESTER FETAL WELFARE SCANNING

H Murray MBChB (Hons) MRCOG FRANZCOG DDU CMFM DM, Department of Perinatal Ultrasound, Nepean Hospital, Penrith.

One of the major dilemmas in modern obstetric practice is to determine if and when to intervene to deliver a fetus perceived to be at risk of intrauterine hypoxia and acidemia. The assessment of fetal health in the third trimester has advanced markedly with the advent of an improved understanding of fetal physiology and improved Doppler technology in real-time ultrasound. The challenge is therefore to provide the obstetrician with information about the fetus from the third trimester scan that will accurately determine the status of an at risk fetus, and allow for it to be delivered before hypoxic damage can occur.

Citation
Murray H. Controversies in third trimester fetal welfare scanning. ASUM Bulletin 2001.4:6-9.