pulsatility index - Raised on scan

[Lincoln08]

Hello. I am a first time mum. Currently 31 weeks pregnant, so far the pregnancy has been pretty smooth. Placenta was briefly covering the exit but now that has moved out the way.

I went to my local assessment centre at the weekend due to a lack of movement. Me and baby were monitored and all appeared okay. However was given a scan today to check baby's growth. Growth wise she is about bang on average, as she has the whole pregnancy.

Unfortunately whilst scanning the umbilical cord blood flow 2 of the 3 measurements were really high. Not much was explained despite asking what this means etc. I have another scan on friday to check again.

All was advised was if it remained high then baby would be safer out than staying in.

Does anyone have any experience of this? Google isn't giving me much.

Had this with my last pregnancy, the PI went to normal but continued to have scans twice a week to check the cord and waters. Delivered normally at 37.

It can be scary but sometimes it’s just a one off. At least they’re keeping an eye on. I think you need to continue, as anyone else, to be mindful of baby moving.

Xxx

Due to pregnancy induced hypertension with my first pregnancy, I was referred to a consultant for current pregnancy and had extra growth/Doppler scans set for 28 and 32 weeks - we get 12, 20 and 36 week scans as standard here.

I had this at my 28 week scan (I'm due today!). My RI and PI readings were on the 95th centile. MCA Doppler was absolutely fine though (did they do a MCA for you?). Consultant wasn't concerned as MCA was fine but said they would keep an eye. My 32 week scan showed that the RI and PI were down to near the 50th centile and they have continued to drop, to the point where I've been discharged from the consultant.

Has the risk of higher umbilical resistance been explained to you? The main concern explained to me is restricted growth. Get them to talk you through it on Friday and query the MCA Doppler.

How is your blood pressure? My pregnancy induced hypertension with my first wasn't picked up on until I was 41+3 and I'd had no extra scans or monitoring. The consultant thinks I probably had higher PI and RI with my first as it is well known for correlation with high blood pressure in the mother (both caused by and the cause of). Interestingly with this pregnancy my blood pressure has fallen in line with the reduction in umbilical resistance. My consultant kept me on 150mg of aspirin daily as a preventative.

Hello both. Thanks for your replies.

Not sure on the MCA I dont remember it being mentioned at all and I cant see it on my notes so assume not.

Nothing was really explained I tried asking but the midwife was not very forthcoming. My bump is measuring 3 weeks ahead but baby has been bang on average all the way through the pregnancy.

My blood pressure has been fine all the way through so far with no issues. I was prescribed 100mg of aspirin following my 12 weeks scan but was told that was due to my slightly over BMI.

Hi sorry your worrying I'm also worrying about mine but my notes said lowest pi measurement she did measure multiple times during my growth scan yesterday but she didnt mention anything to me it was only when I looked in my notes my baby is measuring small under the 10th centile so I have been booked in for another scan in 2 weeks time instead of 3 but I have no idea what it means about lowest pi measurement in the umbilical cord