The role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in maternal medicine
Johanna A van der Zande, K. Rijs, Amir A. Shamshirsaz, Hany Soliman, Arie Franx, Robert M. Kauling, Jolien W. Roos‐Hesselink, Caroline D. van der Marel, Koen Verdonk, Jérôme Cornette
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly valuable tool in maternal medicine, offering rapid, bedside evaluation of critically ill pregnant patients. This study explores the expanding role of POCUS in obstetric care, particularly its application in assessing different organ systems. POCUS enables timely, accurate diagnoses and interventions, crucial for preventing maternal morbidity and mortality. While POCUS is widely used in emergency and intensive care, its potential in obstetric settings remains underexplored. Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialists, who already possess substantial ultrasound expertise, can easily integrate POCUS in daily practice. • POCUS enhances rapid, bedside care for critically ill pregnant patients. • Maternal POCUS integrates cardiac, lung, abdominal and vascular ultrasound. • Training in POCUS is feasible for already ultrasound skilled obstetric specialists.