Doppler velocimetry in the evaluation of fetal hypoxia

Knowledge of fetal hemodynamic physiology has developed enormously during t he last two decades due to Doppler ultrasound. Some of this knowledge has b een utilized for routine surveillance of high-risk pregnancies. The predict ion of fetal hypoxia before the develop-ment of life lasting sequel is of m ajor importance, especially in the very premature case with absent end-dias tolic blood flow in the umbilical artery before lung maturity. This review gives an overview of the present knowledge in this field.