[Changes in the fetal cardio-vascular system in cases of intra-uterine growth retardation ( a measurement of the cardiac volume and the cardiac flow by the Doppler method)]

In 28 patients with suspected intra-uterine growth retardation during the last trimester of pregnancy the cardiac volume measurements and the flow measurements by the Doppler method showed diminished values. The suspicion of growth retardation was later confirmed by the birth weight. Changes of the cardio-vascular system in the foetus therefore are helpful in the diagnosis of intra-uterine growth retardation. Other parameters such as cardio-tocography, L/S ratio and hormone determinations are also used in the diagnosis.