Understand the latest research and clinical best practice on pregnancy complications.

Ultrasound is an indispensable tool in the screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancy complications, such as placenta accreta spectrum disorder  preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. It facilitates early risk stratification to real-time monitoring of fetal and maternal well-being and informs key clinical decision-making. Ultrasound imaging including transvaginal cervical length assessment, fetal biometry measurements, and Doppler velocimetry forms the basis for the evaluation of the most serious complications in pregnancy and continues to guide the direction of future research. As advancements in ultrasound technology refine our understanding of these complications, it remains the primary imaging modality for optimizing maternal-fetal outcomes. 

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Second and third trimester cervix

Bernardeco, J, Visual Encyclopedia of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, www.isuog.org, April 2023.

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Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries

Cafici D, Terrones A, Ramos Mejía D, Visual Encyclopedia of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, www.isuog.org, July 2022.

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Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries

Cafici D, Terrones A, Ramos Mejía D, Visual Encyclopedia of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, www.isuog.org, July 2022.

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Doppler evaluation of normal and abnormal placenta

Hernandez-Andrade, E., Huntley, E.S., Bartal, M.F., Soto-Torres, E.E., Tirosh, D., Jaiman, S. and Johnson, A. (2022), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 60: 28-41.

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Doppler evaluation of normal and abnormal placenta

Hernandez-Andrade, E., Huntley, E.S., Bartal, M.F., Soto-Torres, E.E., Tirosh, D., Jaiman, S. and Johnson, A. (2022). Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 60: 28-41.

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Doppler evaluation of normal and abnormal placenta

Hernandez-Andrade, E., Huntley, E.S., Bartal, M.F., Soto-Torres, E.E., Tirosh, D., Jaiman, S. and Johnson, A. (2022), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 60: 28-41.

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Doppler evaluation of normal and abnormal placenta

Hernandez-Andrade, E., Huntley, E.S., Bartal, M.F., Soto-Torres, E.E., Tirosh, D., Jaiman, S. and Johnson, A. (2022), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 60: 28-41.

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Automated multivolume placental reconstruction using three-dimensional power doppler ultrasound and infrared camera tracking

Xue, A., Hanly, R., Luichareonkit, D., Thomas, S., Barber, T. and Welsh, A.W. (2025), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. Accepted Author Manuscript.

Why are complications in pregnancy a key topic at ISUOG 2025? 

Significant efforts and active research have been dedicated in the last few decades to early pregnancy prediction and later recognition and treatment of pregnancy complications. Ultrasound plays an increasingly important role in all these aspects and pregnancy care generally, with increasing investigation and incorporation of new exciting technologies such as three-dimensional ultrasound, prediction models, and artificial intelligence. Our understanding of pregnancy and fetal physiologies has advanced significantly. These advances, however, have also created new, unanswered questions. Can we accurately predict in early pregnancy placental insufficiency-related complications such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and the rare but devastating outcome of stillbirth? How can we avoid them? Can we do anything to minimise these risks? How can ultrasound help us predict or detect these complications? What about preterm birth? Make sure you attend the ISUOG 2025 World Congress in Cancun to hear world-renowned experts discuss the exciting latest advances and evidence in this field. We look forward to seeing you there!

Daniel L. Rolnik

Recent UOG articles

 

Supplement your learning

Lectures

Prediction and prevention of late pre-eclampsia - F.Costa 

 

Doppler and FGR International definitions - E.Gratacos

 

What tools do we have for predicting and preventing spontaneous preterm birth? - R.Romero

 

Should CPR be used in the management of term pregnancy - F.Figueras

 

VISUOG 

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Cervix

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the cervix in asymptomatic and symptomatic women with targeted interventions is an effective strategy to prevent the burden of the disease.

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Placenta accreta spectrum disorders: Abnormally adherent and invasive placenta

The placenta accreta spectrum disorders include both abnormally adherent and invasive placenta. Targeted screening is essential for these disorders due to the association between low-lying or previa placenta and previous cesarean delivery. Prenatal diagnosis is possible by ultrasound.

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Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries

The uterine arteries, right and left, are the branches of the internal iliac arteries that supply blood to the uterus.

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Doppler assessment of the fetal cerebral circulation

Evaluation of cerebral circulation in the fetus has long been used for clinical guidance in growth restriction and those at risk for fetal anemia.

Small for gestational age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (FGR)

A fetus is considered to be small for gestational age (SGA) when its size falls below a predefined threshold for its gestational age. The most common definition of SGA is estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) below the 10th percentile of given reference ranges.

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Umbilical Artery Doppler

Doppler assessment of the placental circulation plays an important role in screening for impaired placentation and its complications of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and perinatal death.

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Screening for preterm preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. It is characterised by the development of hypertension during the second half of pregnancy with deranged renal, hepatic, haematological or neurological function.

 

Patient Information

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder

This leaflet is to help you understand what Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder is, what tests you need and the implication of being diagnosed with Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders for your baby and your family.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR)

This leaflet is to help you understand what fetal growth restriction is and what causes it, the implications of being diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

Uterine arteries Doppler ultrasound

This leaflet is to help you understand the use of doppler ultrasound study of the uterine arteries doppler and its importance when screening for preeclampsia

Preterm Birth – ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterine cervix

This leaflet is to help you understand what Preterm Birth is, what tests you need and the implication of being diagnosed with Preterm Birth for you, your baby and your family.

Screening for Preterm Pre-eclampsia

This leaflet is to help you understand what Preterm Pre-eclampsia is, what tests you need and the implication of being diagnosed with Preterm Pre-eclampsia for you, your baby and your family.

 

CME Activities 

 

Questions

How do we use ultrasound to recognize placenta accreta spectrum disorders?   

How can we predict and prevent late pre-eclampsia? 

What Doppler values should trigger management decisions when encountering early and late fetal growth restriction? 

How do we establish who is at risk for preterm birth and how can we prevent it? 

What are the risk factors for stillbirth and how to we tackle this important issue?

 

Register for the ISUOG World Congress to get answers to these questions.

Register here

Register now!

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