Funic souffle

Funic souffle is a medical term used to describe a soft, blowing sound heard over the umbilical cord of a fetus during pregnancy. This sound is typically detected using a Doppler ultrasound device or a fetoscope. The funic souffle is caused by the blood flow through the umbilical arteries and is synchronous with the fetal heartbeat.

Detection and Significance

The funic souffle is an important indicator of fetal well-being. It is usually heard during routine prenatal check-ups and can provide information about the fetal circulation. The presence of a funic souffle can help healthcare providers assess the health of the placenta and the umbilical cord, ensuring that the fetus is receiving adequate blood supply.

Comparison with Uterine Souffle

The funic souffle should not be confused with the uterine souffle, which is a similar sound heard over the pregnant uterus. The uterine souffle is caused by the blood flow through the uterine arteries and is synchronous with the maternal pulse. Differentiating between these two sounds is crucial for accurate fetal monitoring.

Clinical Relevance

The detection of a funic souffle can be particularly useful in cases where there is a concern about fetal well-being, such as in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or placental insufficiency. In such cases, the absence or abnormal characteristics of the funic souffle may prompt further investigation and monitoring.

Related Pages

• Pregnancy
• Fetal circulation
• Doppler ultrasound
• Fetoscope
• Umbilical cord
• Placenta
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Placental insufficiency

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