Verification of human fetal breathing with phased array ultrasound imaging

Continuous observation of fetal movement patterns is a novel and useful capability of new high-speed ultrasound imaging systems. Confirmatory documentation of human fetal breathing as a component of these movement patterns has been achieved using a phased-array real time ultrasound sector scanning system. This system permits direct visualization of fetal breathing movements. Permanent recordings can be made on videotape. Recordings can also be made as a time-motion echocardiograms during continuous observation of the full sector. Fetal breathing movements were seen in five patients. The earliest period of gestation at which fetal breathing was seen was 20 weeks.