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[Fetal movement and acceleration behavior in unimpaired and impaired newborn infants]
W Gross1, W Michels, H J Seewald
1Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe des Bereiches Medizin, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
Insights
Fetal movement analysis using cardiotocography revealed significantly reduced fetal activity in fetuses with impaired birth outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of biophysical parameters in predicting fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Physiology
- Neonatal Neurology
Context:
- Cardiotocography (CTG) is a standard tool for monitoring fetal well-being.
- Biophysical parameters, including fetal movements and heart rate, provide insights into fetal health.
- Birth impairment is often associated with adverse neurological outcomes.
Purpose:
- To compare biophysical examination parameters between fetuses with and without birth impairment.
- To investigate the relationship between fetal movement patterns and birth outcomes.
- To determine the diagnostic value of CTG-synchronous fetal movement analysis.
Summary:
- Biophysical examination parameters, including fetal body and respiratory movements, were analyzed in 7 impaired and 76 unimpaired newborns.
- Impaired fetuses exhibited significantly less fetal activity compared to unimpaired fetuses.
- Key parameters like movement duration and frequency differed significantly (p<0.05), except for respiratory movement frequency.
Impact:
- Reduced fetal activity detected by CTG may indicate potential birth impairment.
- This study underscores the utility of detailed fetal movement analysis in prenatal risk assessment.
- Findings can inform clinical practice for improved fetal monitoring and timely intervention.
Abstract:
The following biophysical examination parameters were found by CTG-synchronous registration of fetal body and respiratory movements and compared in 7 fetuses impaired at birth (pHa less than 7.20, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores less than or equal to 7 points) and 76 unimpaired born fetuses (pHa greater than or equal to 7.20, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores greater than or equal to 8 points): number of fetal body movements per 10 minutes examination time; total and mean durations of these movements per 10 minutes; number of fetal respiratory movements per 10 minutes; number and total duration of fetal respiratory movement periods per 10 minutes; frequency of fetal respiratory movements; proportion of 10-minute periods with and without fetal body and/or respiratory movements and the amounts of the quotients from the amplitude of accelerations in fetal heart rate resulting from fetal body movements and the durations of these body movements. The mean interval between biophysical examination and childbirth was 11 days. Principally, the impaired born fetuses were less active in their movements than were unimpaired born fetuses. Apart from the frequency of fetal respiratory movements and the proportion of 10-minute periods without fetal body movements, the above mentioned parameters differ significantly with a probable error of alpha = 0.05. All biophysical parameters were registered on an uterus without labour and the cardiogram as well as the biophysical profile--with the exception of one fetus from the group of impaired borns--being unremarkable. The 10-minute periods without fetal body or respiratory movements were excluded from analysis.