Color Doppler is a part of the ultrasound examination that shows the direction and speed of blood flow in the blood vessels in order to assess whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. In pregnancy it is most often used to assess:
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the flow through the uterine arteries (placental supply)
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the flow in the umbilical cord (umbilical artery)
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the flow in certain fetal blood vessels (e.g. the middle cerebral artery) by indication
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the overall placental function and the baby's adaptation
The Doppler does not “replace” the standard ultrasound of growth and anatomy; it complements it when we want to assess more deeply how the circulation supports fetal growth and well-being.
Note: We always interpret the Doppler finding together with the weeks of pregnancy, fetal growth, the amount of amniotic fluid and your clinical picture (blood pressure, sugar, symptoms).