Obstetric Doppler Scan in Pokhara — Fetal Doppler
An obstetric (fetal) Doppler is a pregnancy ultrasound that measures blood flow in the umbilical cord, the baby's brain artery and the mother's uterine arteries, showing whether the placenta is supplying the baby well. It is used for small babies, high blood pressure and twins. KDRC in Pokhara performs it for Rs. 2,500.
Also called: OB Doppler, fetal doppler, pregnancy doppler, umbilical artery doppler, uterine artery doppler, mca doppler
Price at KDRC: Rs. 2,500 · see rates
OB DopplerKDRC · Pokhara- Duration
- An obstetric Doppler usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes
- Reported by
- Consultant radiologists
- Location
- Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10
- Book
- 061553538 · 9856077433
- An obstetric Doppler measures blood flow in the umbilical cord, the baby's brain artery and the mother's uterine arteries.
- It shows how well the placenta is supplying the baby.
- It is used for small babies, high blood pressure, diabetes, low fluid and twins.
- Absent or reversed cord flow needs same-day review by your obstetrician.
- At KDRC an obstetric Doppler costs Rs. 2,500.
On this page (5 sections)
What is an obstetric Doppler?
Doppler ultrasound measures how blood flows through vessels. In pregnancy, the radiologist usually examines:
- Umbilical artery: blood flow from the baby to the placenta. Raised resistance, or absent or reversed flow, suggests the placenta is not working well.
- Middle cerebral artery (MCA): in the baby's brain. A baby under strain redirects blood to the brain, which shows as lower resistance here; MCA peak velocity also helps detect fetal anaemia.
- Uterine arteries: in the mother. High resistance in the second trimester is linked with pre-eclampsia and poor growth.
- Ductus venosus and other vessels when the doctor asks for a more detailed study.
Results are reported as indices (pulsatility index, resistance index, S/D ratio) and compared with the normal range for the week of pregnancy.
Why do doctors order an obstetric Doppler?
- The baby is small on a growth scan (fetal growth restriction).
- The mother has high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, diabetes or kidney disease.
- Reduced amniotic fluid or reduced movements.
- Twin pregnancy, especially twins sharing a placenta.
- Suspected fetal anaemia, for example with Rh-negative blood group antibodies.
How much does an obstetric Doppler cost in Pokhara?
At KDRC, an obstetric (fetal) Doppler costs Rs. 2,500. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm the price and preparation before your visit. See the full KDRC price list.
Understanding your results
A normal Doppler is reassuring that the placenta is supplying the baby well. Raised umbilical resistance or brain-sparing flow means the baby needs closer monitoring, usually with repeat Doppler and growth scans and a biophysical profile. Absent or reversed end-diastolic flow is serious and needs same-day review by your obstetrician, who weighs the findings against the baby's maturity when planning delivery.
Why choose KDRC for an obstetric Doppler in Pokhara?
- Consultant radiologists: studies are reported by our consultant radiologists, Dr. Bishworaj Bastakoti and Dr. Nawaraj Paudel, both NMC-registered radiologists since 2016 and members of the Nepal Radiologist Society. Meet them on our doctors page.
- HD ultrasound with colour Doppler and 3D/4D/5D volume imaging on the same system.
- Combined visit: growth measurements, Doppler and a biophysical profile can be done in one sitting when requested.
- Central location: Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10. Ultrasound services run any day of the week; call to confirm a time.
How to prepare
- No fasting or full bladder is needed.
- Wear loose two-piece clothing.
- Bring your antenatal card, your doctor's request and all earlier scan reports.
- Tell staff if lying flat makes you dizzy; you will be tilted to one side.
How long it takes
An obstetric Doppler usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, or longer when done together with a growth scan.
Price in Pokhara
| Test | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Obstetric (Fetal) Doppler | Rs. 2,500 |
*Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised.
What to expect at KDRC
Register with your doctor's request, antenatal card and earlier scans. No fasting or full bladder is needed. You lie on your back, tilted slightly to one side so the weight of the womb does not press on your own blood vessels. The radiologist first finds the baby and checks the position, then switches on colour Doppler to locate the umbilical cord, the artery in the baby's brain and your uterine arteries. You may hear the whooshing sound of blood flow. Measurements are best taken while the baby is still and not breathing, so the radiologist may wait for a quiet moment. The study usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Our team tells you when to collect the report; if a result is urgent, take it to your obstetrician the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get an obstetric Doppler in Pokhara?
KDRC at Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10 performs obstetric (fetal) Doppler studies on HD ultrasound with colour Doppler, reported by consultant radiologists. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm a time.
How much does an obstetric Doppler cost in Pokhara?
At KDRC, an obstetric (fetal) Doppler costs Rs. 2,500. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm before your visit.
When is a Doppler done in pregnancy?
Uterine artery Doppler may be done in the second trimester to assess the risk of pre-eclampsia. Umbilical and brain artery Doppler is mostly done in the third trimester when the baby is small, the mother has high blood pressure, or fluid is low, and may be repeated every one to two weeks.
Is Doppler safe for my baby?
Yes, when used for a medical reason by trained staff. Doppler uses slightly more ultrasound energy than a standard scan, so radiologists keep the examination as short as needed, but no harm to babies has been shown from diagnostic use.
Do I need to fast or fill my bladder?
No. Eat and drink normally and wear loose two-piece clothing. Bring your antenatal card and earlier scans so the results can be compared.
What does high resistance in the umbilical artery mean?
It suggests the placenta is not passing blood as easily as it should. It does not mean the baby is unwell today, but it means closer monitoring with repeat Doppler, growth scans and a biophysical profile, as your obstetrician advises.
Can a Doppler be done with a growth scan?
Yes. Most obstetric Doppler studies are done in the same sitting as a growth scan. Each is charged separately; ask staff for the total when you book.
Sources
- radiologyinfo.org/en/info/obstetricus
- radiologyinfo.org/en/info/vascularus
- nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/
This page is general health information reviewed by our radiologists. It is not a diagnosis — always follow your own doctor's advice. In an emergency, call our 24-hour ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10, Kaski · 061553538 / 9856077433
Related services in Pokhara
Fetal Ultrasound (Pregnancy Scan)
A fetal ultrasound in Pokhara at KDRC is a radiation-free pregnancy scan that uses sound waves to check your baby, place…
Doppler Ultrasound
A Doppler test in Pokhara at KDRC is a colour Doppler ultrasound scan that measures the speed and direction of blood flo…
Obstetric Growth Scan
A growth scan is a pregnancy ultrasound, usually in the third trimester, that measures the baby's head, abdomen and thig…
Fetal Biophysical Profile (BPP)
A biophysical profile (BPP) is a late-pregnancy ultrasound that scores the baby's breathing movements, body movements, m…