ABSTRACT
Doppler studies were performed on umbilical, fetal internal carotid, and arcuate arteries
within 36 to 40 weeks of gestation in 85 women (66 with healthy pregnancies and 18
complicated by growth retardation), and results were analyzed by calculating the pulsatility
index. In each case the placenta was examined and graded sonographically. No significant
correlation was found between pulsatility index in fetal and uteroplacental vessels
and placental grading in normal pregnancies. This suggests that tissue changes responsible
for the echogenicity of maturing placenta are not directly related to vascular impedance
of the placental vascular bed.
