Doppler sonographic evaluation of exercise-induced blood flow velocity and waveform changes in fetal, uteroplacental and large maternal vessels in pregnant women.

The aim of this study was the evaluation by Doppler sonography of blood flow velocity and waveforms in maternal (Femoral artery and vein, carotid artery, uteroplacental) and fetal (Umbilical artery) vessels before and after exercise. Thirteen healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies (and outcomes) participated in the study between the 36th and 40th gestational week. Each proband underwent 5 exercise tests in a sitting position on a bicycle ergometer with a work load of 100 Watts during 3 minutes. The Doppler measurements were performed with Acuson 128. In the femoral and carotid arteries, peak velocities (systolic and end-diastolic, and for the femoral artery also post-systolic) as well as the mean blood flow velocities were measured. Mean blood flow velocity was also measured in the femoral vein. For the measurements of the arterial diameters, the M-Mode technique, for the femoral vein diameter, the B-Mode technique was used. The uteroplacental and umbilical blood flow waveforms were analysed by the Resistance and Pulsatility Indices. The maternal heart rate as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased after each of the exercise tests. The mean blood flow velocity increased in both the femoral artery and vein while the vessel diameter remained constant. In the carotid artery, however, the velocity remained constant. An analysis of the velocity waveforms for the femoral artery showed in increase in the systolic and end-diastolic velocities as well as a reversal of the post-systolic flow, where the velocity is negative in a state of rest.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)