[Are Doppler methods suitable for the study of adaptive maternal central circulatory regulation in pregnancy? II. Assessment of time parameters and determination of minute distance, conclusions].

Echocardiographic Doppler measurements of blood flow velocity are a noninvasive way of studying maternal central haemodynamics. Part 2 reports on additive and derived physiological parameters using different Doppler ultrasound techniques. This paper shows that quantitative assessment of adaptive maternal central circulatory regulation must be interpreted in respect of methods and machines. Technical requirements to be met by the Doppler equipment to avoid present limitations are discussed as are various aspects involved in such studies.