The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Investigating the relationship between middle cerebral artery circulatory disorders detected by Doppler ultrasound and the prediction of uncertain fetal heart rate during labor in uncomplicated full-term pregnancy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
sarah mohammadi
Nayereh Rahmati
mahboubeh barsam
fatemeh lakzaee
1- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahdieh Hospital, medical faculty , Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2026.91959.6575
Abstract
Introduction: Examination of the status of the middle cerebral artery can significantly indicate the efficiency of the fetal circulatory system and the quality of blood supply to fetal tissues. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between middle cerebral artery circulatory disorders shown on Doppler ultrasound and erratic fetal heart rate during labor.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included full-term (37-41 weeks) singleton pregnant women referred to Mahdieh Hospital for delivery. Doppler ultrasound of the middle cerebral artery was performed for all subjects, and the association of findings with uncertain fetal heart rate during labor was investigated.

Results: Among 233 pregnant women with uncomplicated term pregnancies, 28 (12%) had meconium passage, 38 (16.3%) had fetal distress, and 9 (3.9%) had a newborn hospitalized in the intensive care unit. The results of this study showed a significant association between a fetal pulse index below the 5th percentile and fetal respiratory distress during delivery (p-value = 0.01). A fetal pulse index below the 5th percentile was not associated with meconium passage and hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (p-value <0.05). On the other hand, an umbilical artery pulse index below the 5th percentile was significantly associated with meconium passage (p-value = 0.02). An umbilical artery resistance index below the 5th percentile was also significantly associated with fetal respiratory distress (p-value = 0.01). First pregnancy of the mother and a low Apgar score at the 10th minute were directly associated with increased adverse neonatal outcomes.
Keywords
Middle Cerebral Artery
Term Pregnancy
Fetal Complications
Predictability
Subjects
The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 May 2026