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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2820-3207
Clinical Opinion

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Systolic Heart Failure During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Authors

  • Juliana Gevaerd Martins

    1   OBGYN, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN6040)

  • Antonio F Saad

    2   Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, INOVA Health System, Falls Church, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN3313)

  • George Saade

    1   OBGYN, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN6040)

  • Matthew Jones

    3   Emergency Department, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN6040)

  • Luis Pacheco

    4   Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Office of University Advancement, Galveston, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN441907)
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Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) plays a central role in the evaluation of acute and chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), yet its use in obstetric patients remains limited. This expert review outlines a simplified, qualitative-first approach tailored to the physiologic and technical challenges of pregnancy. We present a step-by-step guide that prioritizes feasibility and reproducibility using simple and established echocardiographic views including the E-Point Septal Separation (EPSS), Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (MAPSE), lung B-lines, and IVC diameter measurements. Most available data are extrapolated from non-pregnant cohorts, and pregnancy-specific outcome evidence remains limited. This framework aims to support maternal-fetal medicine specialists in integrating POCUS into the bedside evaluation of pregnant individuals with suspected systolic heart failure.



Publication History

Received: 22 January 2026

Accepted: 23 February 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
27 February 2026

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