We assessed qualitatively and quantitatively 8 types of movements during the first trimester and 14 types of fetal movements and facial expressions during the second trimester for 15-20 minutes.
The study involved the follow-up of the fetal behavior throughout the pregnancy for normal fetuses derived from single pregnancies. The study is a prospective longitudinal study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Elias for a three years period (January 2008 - December 2010). Understanding the relationship between fetal behavior and brain developmental processes in different periods of gestation makes it possible to distinguish between normal and abnormal central nervous system (CNS) development and early diagnosis of various structural and functional abnormalities. Pattern of the movements, its quantity and quality is expanding rapidly during pregnancy, from gross movements of the whole embryo to organized movements and facial expressions towards the end of the pregnancy. It is well known that fetal movement occurs far earlier than a mother can register it, at the end of the embryonic period ( 1). The fetuses with abnormal fetal behaviour should be followed at least till the age of two years when their categorization to disabling or non-disabling cerebral palsy can be possible. A large spectrum of neurological problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, autism could be result at list in part from prenatal neurodevelopment problems ( 1, 2). In a relatively short period of time 4D ultrasound stimulated multicentric studies on fetal and even embryonic behaviour with more convincing imaging than conventional 2D ultrasound. The most benefits of 4D ultrasound could be real time assessment of fetal face, grimacing, breathing movements, swallowing, mouthing, isolated eye-blinking and reveals the direction of the limbs. In comparison with 2D ultrasound, 4D ultrasound offers real benefits for fetus's assessment prenatal condition. 4D ultrasound allows visualization of embryonic movements two weeks earlier than 2D ultrasound ( 1). In the last few decades, the development of new ultrasound techniques has allowed direct visualization of the fetus in utero ( 1, 2).ĤD ultrasound has recently been introduced in medical practice and complements 2D and 3D examination by obtaining images in real time.
#4D ULTRASOUND AT 15 WEEKS REGISTRATION#
In the past, registration of fetal movements and fetal heart rate auscultation were the only methods of the follow-up of fetal well being. This can make the difference between normal and abnormal brain development and may be used for early diagnosis of neurological disorders that become manifest in perinatal and postnatal periods. Results: After 15-20 minutes 4D ultrasound examination, we found a pattern of fetal behavior for each trimester of pregnancy.Ĭonclusions: Dynamic evaluation of fetal behavior reflects directly the processes of maturation and development of the central nervous system. The analyzed parameters for each trimester of pregnancy can be used for performing antenatal neurodevelopment test, used the first time by Professor Kurjak. For the first trimester of pregnancy we assessed eight types of fetal movements and for the second and third trimesters 14 types of fetal movements and facial expressions. Material and Method: The study group included 144 healthy pregnant women with single pregnancies between 7-38 weeks of gestation. The assessment of fetal behavior by 4D ultrasound could allow distinction between normal and abnormal fetal behavior patterns which might make possible the early recognition of fetal brain impairment.Īim: Assessment of fetal movements throughout the pregnancy using 4D ultrasound. Analysis of the dynamics of the fetal behavior with morphological studies has lead to the conclusion that fetal behavior patterns are directly reflecting development and maturation of the central nervous system. Fetal behavior is defined as any fetal action seen by the mother or fetus diagnosed by objective methods such as cardiotocography (CTG) or ultrasound.
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