What can cause a sudden fall in fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA)Pulsatility index (PI)?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 33-year-old pregnant female. At my 35 weeks color doppler, the MCA PI is 1.38, which is below the 2.5th percentile. At my 33-week color doppler, the MCA PI was 2.55, around the 80th percentile. I am very concerned about the sudden fall in MCA PI. What do I need to do? I am very anxious. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Be positive, and think positively.

I have read your query and gone through your reports. The scan's conclusion that the sonologist gave us is a single intrauterine fetus corresponding 37 + weeks with a 3.1 kg weight and a regular doppler study with a cord loop around the neck. Fetus weight, growth, and doppler are very much fine, but as the baby moves and the cord is around the neck, so can have some difference in reading. Similarly, it happens in labor when the cord gets compressed with contractions. I suggest you have a strict check on fetal movements. If you feel this unsatisfactory, go for electronic fetal monitoring, even now, for proper satisfaction. Have a healthy diet, walk regularly, and check for any abnormal symptoms to report as per need. To check the baby's heart graph, it is better check with the local gynecologist available, get an electronic fetal monitoring graph, and do have CTG (cardiotocography) in the tertiary care unit to be discussed by a specialist. Have strict monitoring of fetal movement. If it feels less, report it immediately. Similarly, report symptoms also immediately.

All the best.

Regards.