New aspects of fetal dynamics with a special emphasis on eye movements

During the last few years, special attention has turned to the recording of human fetal dynamic phenomena. These are movements of the whole body as well as breathing, cardiac and ocular movements. All of them can be observed and recorded simultaneously through real-time echography and Doppler systems. The analysis of the recording may be considered separately as well as simultaneously and are one of the grounds for fetal physiology studies. What is known about fetal dynamics and physiopathology is summarized. Fetal biorhythms were discovered and described in that manner. Progressive integration in behavioural patterns was observed suggesting that movements are under a general and central control early in fetal life. Particular attention is given to personal work on fetal eye movement. Based on eye movements patterns, the fetal behaviour patterns might be compared to the three sleep stages (paradoxal--quiet--transitional) as described in the full-term and premature newborns. Some contradictions have been noticed in the conclusions drawn from the analysis of the fetal activities considered separately. They might only be apparent in the light of these integrated patterns.