to ask if there are any midwives who can explain this to me?

[Barbz568]

Had a scan that told me that 'PI' is above 95th percentile in all samples. Midwives are worried and I'm having Dopplera every few days. I went blank and didn't ask enough questions... any idea what this means? I have NO idea and am so in the dark...

The PI is the Pulsatility Index, a measure of blood flow through the umbilical and middle cerebral artery of a fetus.

www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/pulsatility-index

It's the pulsatility index, it looks at resistance in the blood vessels and can occur where there's issues with growth.

I just can't for the life of me work out what it means for it to be above the 95th percentile. They've put this in my notes in big capitals and bold with an underline.

www.lenus.ie/handle/10147/189989

I had this when I was pregnant. Went for a growth scan due to measuring small and written in my notes was “repeat scan in 2 due to high PI.” I asked my midwife friend about this and she said it’s usually caused by the baby squeezing the umbilical cord or applying pressure on it in some way during the scan which restricts the blood flow from the placenta to the baby. I was very worried about this as it can lead to low birth weight but on my follow up scan 2 weeks later my PI reading was absolutely normal. I now have a healthy 10 month old.

If you’re at all worried give the DAU a call - I always found them happy to help x

CONCLUSION: Elevated uterine and umbilical artery indices are associated with higher rates of maternal and fetal disease.

From that article it's all just worrying isn't it! Wish I had asked more questions.

Thanks @Pollypanda - I wish I had a nice midwife friend

@Barbz568 Please don’t sit and worry yourself silly over this. Give the day assessment unit a call first thing. And stop googling! If - and it’s a big if - there is something that needs monitoring it’s good that you know and they are keeping an eye. They don’t take any risks when it comes to pregnancy and you’re in the best hands. Wishing you all the best x

I had this during pregnancy, I had extra scans and the reading did reduce. LO was 9 days early and birthweight fine at 7lb 9oz.

She’s a tough little monster, seeing the way she beats everything up makes me think she was grabbing the cord in utero.

I had this. I was closely monitored with Doppler scans. Mine got worse and they got the baby out at 34 weeks. She was tiny but fine. She's now 4 - still petite but doing well.