Decoding fetal motion in 4D ultrasound with DeepLabCut

This study aimed to objectively and quantitatively analyze fetal motor behavior using DeepLabCut (DLC), a markerless posture estimation tool based on deep learning, applied to four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS) data collected during the second trimester. We propose a novel clinical method for precise assessment of fetal neurodevelopment.

Fifty 4DUS video recordings of normal singleton fetuses aged 12 to 22 gestational weeks were analyzed. Eight fetal joints were manually labeled in 2% of each video to train a customized DLC model. The model's accuracy was evaluated using likelihood scores. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of manual labeling were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Angular velocity time series derived from joint coordinates were analyzed to quantify fetal movement patterns and developmental coordination.

Manual labeling demonstrated excellent reproducibility (inter-rater ICC = 0.990, intra-rater ICC = 0.961). The trained DLC model achieved a mean likelihood score of 0.960, confirming high tracking accuracy. Kinematic analysis revealed developmental trends: localized rapid limb movements were common at 12-13 weeks; movements became more coordinated and systemic by 18-20 weeks, reflecting advancing neuromuscular maturation. Although a modest increase in tracking accuracy was observed with gestational age, this trend did not reach statistical significance (p < 0.001).

DLC enables precise quantitative analysis of fetal motor behavior from 4DUS recordings. This AI-driven approach offers a promising, noninvasive alternative to conventional qualitative assessments, providing detailed insights into early fetal neurodevelopmental trajectories and potential early screening for neurodevelopmental disorders.