Imaging of the Fetus and the Uteroplacental Blood Supply: Ultrasound.

Fetal aneuploidies and major fetal abnormalities can now be diagnosed by ultrasound examination in the first trimester of pregnancy. In such early assessment, measurement of impedance to blood flow in the uterine arteries, using Doppler ultrasound, together with measurement of the concentration of placental products in the maternal circulation can be used for the prediction of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Identification of the high-risk group for such pregnancy complication in the first trimester could potentially reduce the prevalence of the complications through pharmacological interventions which may improve placentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]