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Eyelid movements in normal human fetuses
Boris M Petrikovsky1, Gary Kaplan, Nancy Holsten
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Nassau University Medical Center, Third Floor, Women's Pavilion, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, New York 11554, USA.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|June 18, 2003
Summary
Fetal blinking is a normal activity observed in 89% of healthy fetuses. Vibroacoustic stimulation increased fetal blinking, suggesting it is part of the startle reflex.
Area of Science:
- Fetal development
- Neuroscience
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Blinking is a fundamental protective reflex in humans.
- Understanding fetal reflexes provides insights into neurological development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize fetal blinking activity.
- To assess the impact of vibroacoustic stimulation on fetal blinking.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic observation of blinking in 18 healthy fetuses (33-42 weeks).
- Analysis of videotaped eye movements in slow motion.
- Application of fetal vibroacoustic stimulation when clinically indicated.
Main Results:
- Fetal blinking detected in 89% of fetuses.
- Mean blinking frequency: 6.2 movements/hour.
- Vibroacoustic stimulation increased blinking to 15.3 movements/hour in stimulated fetuses.
Conclusions:
- Blinking is a normal activity in healthy fetuses.
- Increased blinking with vibroacoustic stimulation suggests a startle reflex response.