Evaluation of fetal growth and fetal well-being.
This article reviews the actual knowledge and future developments of ultrasound techniques for the evaluation of fetal growth and well-being. Sonography allows the visualization of the fetus in utero and is utilized worldwide for the evaluation of fetal growth and well-being. Fetal biometry assessment is performed in the second half of pregnancy when deviations of fetal growth can be best recognized through alterations of fetal abdominal circumference growth. Doppler velocimetry of utero-placental vessels identifies alterations of placental perfusion and is valuable in the assessment of fetal brain, heart, and liver perfusion, thus being utilized in the timing of delivery. Recently, three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of fetal organs and placenta is being developed.
Cetin
Irene
I
Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. Irene.Cetin@unimi.it
Boito
Simona
S
Radaelli
Tatjana
T
D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020567:Fetal Weight; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D009929:Organ Size; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D010929:Placentation; D011247:Pregnancy; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*