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Observations of intrapartum fetal activities
K M Ash1, I Morrison, F A Manning
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Objective:
The objective of this observational study was to document the frequency of biophysical activities such as breathing and body movements during spontaneous labor in the low-risk, term fetus.
Study Design:
The fetuses of truly low-risk patients without medication during labor were observed serially with real-time ultrasonography for fetal breathing or body movements for a maximum scanning time of 1 hour. Fetal breathing movements, hiccups, and fetal body movements were recorded, as were cervical dilatation, status of the fetal membranes, and Apgar scores.
Results:
Fetal breathing activity was recorded in 76% of fetuses in early labor and 90% in advanced labor. Fetal body movements were present during 85% of the observations. All babies had 5-minute Apgar scores > 7.
Conclusion:
Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal breathing and body movements during spontaneous labor was associated with normal birth outcome in this low-risk population. The clinical utility of this noninvasive method in determining intrapartum fetal health remains to be tested in an unselected population.