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Updated: Sep 12, 2026
Video-oculography in Mice
Published on: July 19, 2012
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.
Purpose:
We undertook this study to investigate the characteristics of blinking activity in healthy human fetuses.
Methods:
Blinking activity was studied sonographically in healthy fetuses between 33 and 42 weeks' menstrual age. Horizontal and coronal sonographic views of the eye were obtained and videotaped. Fetal blinking movements were analyzed by reviewing the videotape in slow motion. Fetal vibroacoustic stimulation was also used when clinically indicated.
Results:
We examined a total of 18 healthy fetuses. Fetal blinking was detected in 89% of cases, with a mean frequency of 6.2 movements per 60-minute observation period. Vibroacoustic stimulation was associated with increased fetal blinking in the 6 fetuses in which it was applied (mean, 15.3 movements per 60-minute observation period).
Conclusions:
Blinking is a normal fetal activity. The increased frequency of blinking activity associated with vibroacoustic stimulation may be considered a part of the normal startle reflex.
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