Role of ultrasound in the labor ward

Abstract

Intrapartum ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate fetal vitality, presentation and status as well as placental location. Health professionals are increasingly using intrapartum ultrasound for advanced applications that have not yet been shown to be effective by controlled research studies, using advanced ultrasound technologies such as bi-dimensional ultrasound, color ultrasound, pulsed Doppler ultrasound and three-dimensional ultrasound. This article reviews the current applications of intrapartum ultrasound and considers which advanced technologies can add to the standard of care in the delivery ward.