Obstetrics | Fetal growth disorders - detection, decision and outcomes
Tracks
Central C | Virtual
Obstetrics
| Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| 8:30 AM - 9:20 AM |
| Central Rm C | Ground Floor |
Speaker
Dr Conrado Ragazini
MFM Fellow
Gold Coast University Hospital
FGR - from diagnosis to delivery
8:30 AM - 8:50 AMBiography
Dr Conrado Ragazini |
Gold Coast University Hospital
Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow at GCUH
Mrs Emily Burston
Sonographer
Monash University
Sonographic significance of uterine artery doppler assessment across pregnancy
8:50 AM - 9:00 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Introduction: Uterine artery (UA) Doppler assessment provides insight into uteroplacental perfusion throughout pregnancy and plays a key role in the early identification of placental dysfunction and pre-eclampsia. Abnormal UA resistance reflects impaired trophoblastic invasion and abnormal placentation. This presentation aims to review the use of UA Doppler throughout pregnancy, with particular focus on first- and second-trimester, optimisation of sonographic technique, and the role of ultrasound in pre-eclampsia risk stratification.
Methods: A focused review of peer-reviewed literature was undertaken examining UA Doppler indices from the first through second trimester and their clinical significance. Sonographic techniques for accurate UA identification and waveform acquisition are discussed, including probe positioning, colour Doppler settings, angle correction, sampling site, and optimisation of Doppler traces. The integration of UA Doppler into combined screening models and ongoing surveillance pathways is also explored.
Results: First-trimester UA Doppler, particularly elevated pulsatility index (PI), is strongly associated with increased risk of early-onset pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Second-trimester assessment provides additional prognostic value, assisting in the identification of pregnancies at risk of late-onset disease and guiding ongoing surveillance. Consistent evidence demonstrates that accurate and standardised Doppler technique improves reproducibility and predictive performance.
Conclusion: UA Doppler assessment across pregnancy is a valuable, non-invasive ultrasound tool that supports early detection and ongoing evaluation of placental disease when performed using optimal sonographic technique.
Take-home message: High-quality UA Doppler assessment in both the first and second trimester enhances pre-eclampsia risk stratification and highlights the critical role of sonographers in preventative obstetric care.
Methods: A focused review of peer-reviewed literature was undertaken examining UA Doppler indices from the first through second trimester and their clinical significance. Sonographic techniques for accurate UA identification and waveform acquisition are discussed, including probe positioning, colour Doppler settings, angle correction, sampling site, and optimisation of Doppler traces. The integration of UA Doppler into combined screening models and ongoing surveillance pathways is also explored.
Results: First-trimester UA Doppler, particularly elevated pulsatility index (PI), is strongly associated with increased risk of early-onset pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Second-trimester assessment provides additional prognostic value, assisting in the identification of pregnancies at risk of late-onset disease and guiding ongoing surveillance. Consistent evidence demonstrates that accurate and standardised Doppler technique improves reproducibility and predictive performance.
Conclusion: UA Doppler assessment across pregnancy is a valuable, non-invasive ultrasound tool that supports early detection and ongoing evaluation of placental disease when performed using optimal sonographic technique.
Take-home message: High-quality UA Doppler assessment in both the first and second trimester enhances pre-eclampsia risk stratification and highlights the critical role of sonographers in preventative obstetric care.
Biography
Mrs Emily Burston |
Monash University
Emily Klooger is an Obstetric Fellow at Monash Health with a strong passion for obstetrics, women’s health and improving outcomes for both mother and fetus. She has a particular interest in the role of ultrasound in antenatal care and the early identification of pregnancy complications, recognising the significant impact high-quality imaging has on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Emily recently completed her Master of Medical Ultrasound and continues to develop her skills within a busy tertiary maternity service. She values the responsibility and clinical judgement involved in obstetric scanning and is committed to refining her technical expertise, diagnostic accuracy and professional practice. With a strong appreciation for multidisciplinary care, she enjoys working closely with sonographers, midwives and obstetricians to provide safe, patient-centred care across all stages of pregnancy.
As an early-career clinician, Emily is enthusiastic about ongoing learning and professional development. She is actively involved in education, audit and research initiatives and is passionate about contributing back to the field of ultrasound through teaching, quality improvement and clinical collaboration. She is particularly interested in preventative obstetrics and the use of ultrasound in the early detection of placental disease and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, which she believes is essential for sustaining a career in healthcare. She is excited to continue developing as a clinician, educator and future leader within obstetric imaging and women’s health.
Ms Laura Harbinson
PhD Candidate
University of Melbourne
LGA - when bigger is not always better
9:00 AM - 9:20 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Sonographers typically screen fetal growth to detect when babies may be measuring smaller than expected, with less focus on the significance of babies measuring large for gestational age (LGA). While underappreciated, LGA babies can be at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.
This talk will discuss the triggers for suspicion of LGA and what we should be paying attention to when performing these scans. The use and limitations of fetal growth charts will be discussed as well as what current research shows regarding the outcomes of LGA babies.
LGA babies may be at risk for perinatal complications despite the assumption that this is reserved for babies that are growth restricted. However, growth charts remain an ongoing clinical challenge when screening fetal growth due to lack of consensus.
Take home message: Understanding the importance of screening and management of LGA pregnancies is essential for all clinicians involved in their care.
This talk will discuss the triggers for suspicion of LGA and what we should be paying attention to when performing these scans. The use and limitations of fetal growth charts will be discussed as well as what current research shows regarding the outcomes of LGA babies.
LGA babies may be at risk for perinatal complications despite the assumption that this is reserved for babies that are growth restricted. However, growth charts remain an ongoing clinical challenge when screening fetal growth due to lack of consensus.
Take home message: Understanding the importance of screening and management of LGA pregnancies is essential for all clinicians involved in their care.
Biography
Ms Laura Harbinson |
University of Melbourne
Laura is a sonographer with a special interest in perinatal clinical research based in Melbourne, Australia. In addition to working clinically, she is an academic staff member, and a PhD candidate at The University of Melbourne. Through her PhD she is investigating ultrasound markers for pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in babies with congenital heart disease, and exploring the complex relationship between the placenta, fetal heart and fetal brain. She has experience working on multiple research projects related to fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth. She has worked clinically across Australia and New Zealand, held various volunteer roles with the ASA and is an Associate Fellow of the ASA.
