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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
[Physical diagnostics--auscultation of fetal heart sounds]
J G Nijhuis1, P P van den Berg
1Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Obstetrie, Nijmegen.
Abstract:
Auscultation or recording of foetal heart tones is possible throughout pregnancy. In the first trimester, the presence of heart activity proves a vital pregnancy and reduces the probability of spontaneous abortion. From the end of the second and during the whole of the third trimester foetal heart activity can be used to asses the foetal condition. The introduction of cardiotocography failed to reduce serious perinatal morbidity or mortality as compared with intermittent auscultation, but did increase the number of obstetrical interventions.
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