Flowmetry, also known as flow measurement, means the examination of fetal blood flow and circulation system utilizing Doppler ultrasound. This examination measures the blood flow in the veins supplying the womb, the artery of the umbilical cord, the fetal abdominal aorta and the blood vessels supplying the brain in order to determine whether the placenta works properly and the baby’s nutrition and oxygen intake is satisfactory.
Flowmetry is usually recommended when placental malfunction is suspected based on the small size of the fetus for its age, or when the mother is suffering from pre-eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) or as a check-up during the last weeks of the pregnancy.