A randomized controlled trial of a new fetal acoustic stimulation test for fetal well-being

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine (1) whether a fetal acoustic stimulation test results in more palpable fetal movement compared with a mock test (control) and (2) whether palpated fetal movements after a fetal acoustic stimulation test are accompanied by a reactive nonstress test.STUDY DESIGN: In a randomized controlled trial we studied women seen in the labor and delivery suite for various indications. Women were excluded for multiple gestation, <31 weeks' gestational age, treatment with magnesium sulfate or narcotics, or ruptured membranes. Informed consent was obtained from eligible women, who were then randomized to a test or control group. We placed an acoustic stimulator on the abdomen of each woman, but only the test group was stimulated. We assessed fetal movement by a grading system: 0 = no fetal movement felt by patient or tester, 1 = fetal movement felt by patient only, 2 = fetal movement felt by tester, 3 = visual movement seen by tester. A positive fetal acoustic stimulation test result was defined as one with any fetal movement felt or seen by the tester (grades 2 or 3). We then performed a nonstress test. We compared rates of a positive fetal acoustic stimulation test in the test and control groups with the χ² test. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: We randomized 297 women to the test group and 280 women to the control (mock test) group. Of women tested with the fetal acoustic stimulation test, 81% had fetal movement by palpation or visualization (grades 2 or 3) compared with 19% of the control group (p < 0.0001, odds ratio 19.29, 95% confidence interval 12.42 to 30.07). Of the test group, 283 (95%) had a reactive nonstress test and 14 (5%) had nonreactive tests; the control group had 267 (95%) reactive and 13 (5%) nonreactive nonstress tests. Of 242 patients in the test group with a positive fetal acoustic stimulation test, 236 (98%) had a reactive nonstress test. Of those in the test group with fewer than three contractions per 10 minutes, 164 (89%) had a positive fetal acoustic stimulation test. Of these, 162 (99%) had a reactive nonstress test.CONCLUSION: The fetal acoustic stimulation test evokes significantly more palpated or visualized fetal movement than in controls. Palpated or visualized fetal movement after acoustic stimulation was almost always accompanied by a reactive nonstress test. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:1386-8.)     

Vibro-acoustic stimulation in high-risk pregnancies; maternal perception of fetal movements, fetal heart rate and fetal outcome.

Maternal perception of fetal movement in response to vibro-acoustic stimulation was compared with antenatal fetal heart rate monitoring as a test of fetal well-being in a population of gravidae with high-risk pregnancies (n = 517), admitted to the high-risk ward at Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet; a total of 2,015 tests were performed. The sensitivity and the specificity of the test compared to the fetal heart rate tracing was 81% and 89% respectively. If the test was performed within 24 hours of delivery, its predictive value for fetal asphyxia (i.e. a 5-minute Apgar score < 7) was 14% (7/49). Ten per cent of the patients felt no fetal movement in response to stimulation (irrespective of gestational age). In five cases where fetal heart rate tracings were pathological, stimulation nonetheless produced fetal movement and fetal outcome was good. Pathological heart rate tracings and no fetal movement in response to stimulation were present in 30 cases (out of 251 with no fetal movements at stimulation), in seven of which the infants had 5-minute Apgar scores < 7. Although many patients underwent repeated vibro-acoustic stimulation, there was no evidence of fetal habituation to the test. On 24 occasions (i.e. 1.2%), the patient denied vibro-acoustic stimulation, mostly because of previous discomfort due to vigorous fetal response. Where resources are limited, maternal perception of fetal movements in response to vibro-acoustic stimulation might be a useful alternative for preliminary screening of high-risk pregnancies.     

Automatic detection of fetal movement by Doppler ultrasound during non-stress testing

A new external fetal monitor, using a defocused, wide-area ultrasound transducer has been devised in order to obtain a more accurate representation of fetal movement during antepartum non-stress testing. The fetal activity Doppler signal is easily distinguished from the fetal heart Doppler and provides an automatic record of fetal movement which is objective and reproducible. In several clinical tests, this new monitor was found to be more sensitive and reliable than either reports of fetal movement from the mother or from a physician palpating the abdomen. This method of automatic detection of fetal activity can improve the accuracy of the non-stress test by providing an additional objective criteria.     

电话远程胎儿监护系统的临床应用

目的 评价电话远程胎儿监护系统的临床应用价值,探索孕妇家庭自我监护的新途径。方法将２０４例妊娠合并贫血、糖尿病、溶血、肾脏疾病、胎儿宫内发育迟缓、妊高征的孕妇、分为试验组（９７例）和对照组（１０７例）。试验组以是锭程胎儿监护系统结合胎动计数进行自我     

Detection of fetal risk in postmaturity

Ninety-seven postmature pregnancies were monitored by amnioscopy or amniocentesis (to determine presence or absence of meconium), oxytocin challenge tests (OCT), 24-hour urinary oestriol estimations and fetal movement counts. The colour of the amniotic fluid and the result of the OCT predicted almost all cases of fetal distress in labour and infants with low Apgar scores. Oestriol estimations and fetal movement counts predicted fetal distress only when combined with other positive tests. Of 50 patients with no abnormal test results, 49 had uneventful labours. The Caesarean section rate was not above average and all babies were liveborn.     

An easy-to-use method for detecting fetal hemoglobin--a test to identify bleeding from vasa previa

BACKGROUND: Vasa previa is a rare but potentially dangerous fetal condition that may occur during pregnancy. Ideally, all cases such cases are detected antenatally, but many present as late vaginal hemorrhaging. At the current time, there is no test for fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in general use. METHODS: A modified method of identifying HbF is presented. Five milliliters of 0.14 M NaOH was combined with 50 microl of a mixture of fetal and maternal blood. After 2 min, it was judged if the solution still had a red tone or not. The sensitivity of this method for detecting HbF was assessed. RESULTS: All 15 clinical personnel could identify both 69% and 34% HbF mixed with adult hemoglobin (100% sensitivity), 14 out of 15 could identify 17% HbF (93% sensitivity), and 12 out of 15 could identify a mixture containing 8% HbF (80% sensitivity). CONCLUSION: Our rapid, simple test for HbF was at least as sensitive as slower, more cumbersome alkali denaturation tests in common use. It could prove to be a lifesaving tool in ruling out vasa previa bleeding in cases of unclear late pregnancy hemorrhages.     

Evaluation of maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movement as a test of antenatal fetal health

Maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movement was correlated with the results of nonstress cardiotocography in 1097 women with obstetric or medical antenatal risk factors. Ninety-two percent of the mothers felt fetal movements with the stimulus; all but three had a reactive non-stress test (NST). These three women were taking multiple antihypertensive drugs and were less than 33 weeks' gestation. Of 88 patients with no maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movement, ten had nonreactive NSTs. Ultrasound confirmed the absence of fetal movement to the stimulus. The outcome in nine of these ten cases suggested some evidence of fetal compromise. Maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movement correlated well with the results of the NST; the sensitivity (76.9%), specificity (92.8%), and negative predictive value (99.7%) were all high, although the positive predictive value was only 11.4%. Maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movement may suffice as an inexpensive and simple method of evaluating antenatal fetal well-being in risk situations. When the mother is doubtful or does not feel the sound-provoked fetal movement, NST is indicated to evaluate the fetal health.     

Maternal self-administered fetal heart rate monitoring and transmission from home in high-risk pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of high-risk pregnancy surveillance by patient-directed fetal heart rate monitoring and transmission, and to assess patient satisfaction with this technology. METHODS: Thirty-six women with high-risk pregnancies performed daily non-stress tests at home and transmitted the data to our perinatal care center by telephone. At each transmission, patients were asked by a physician about perceived fetal movements and uterine contractions and given the results. If the tracing was unsatisfactory, further evaluation was performed. In addition, patients completed a questionnaire on quality of life and anxiety state before and after the study. RESULTS: All patients were able to perform the tests and transmissions. The quality of recorded data was significantly correlated with maternal body mass index, but not with gestational age at the time of monitoring or birth weight. Thirty-nine of the total 562 tracings (6.9%) were inconclusive or non-reassuring. After repeated testing, 32 of them (82%) were considered normal, and seven patients (18%) were referred for additional in-hospital evaluation. Of this group, four were discharged for further surveillance with routine home monitoring and the remaining three were hospitalized for continued evaluation. There were no significant immediate adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes as a result of the monitoring. Patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSIONS: Daily home FHR monitoring in high-risk patients is safe and feasible at all gestational ages, based on this initial pilot evaluation. It is easily and reliably performed and accepted by patients with a high level of satisfaction.     

Normal standards of fetal behavior assessed by four-dimensional sonography

Objective.?In this prospective randomized study, fetal behavior was investigated in order to determine the standard parameters of fetal movements and facial expressions in all three trimesters of normal pregnancy.

Methods.?Sixty-three pregnant women with singleton pregnancies in all trimesters were included in the investigation. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound was performed for each patient over a 30-minute period. Variables of maternal and fetal characteristics including gestational age, eight fetal movement patterns in the first trimester, and sixteen parameters of fetal movement and fetal facial expression patterns in the second and third trimesters were recorded for the construction of fetal neurological charts.

Results.?In the first trimester, a tendency towards an increased frequency of fetal movement patterns with increasing gestational age was noticed. Only the startle movement pattern seemed to occur stagnantly during the first trimester (p > 0.05). At the beginning of the second trimester, the frequency of fetal movement patterns tended to increase. During the second and third trimester, multiple regression and polynomial regression revealed statistically significant changes in tongue expulsion (p < 0.05), smiling (p < 0.05), grimacing (p < 0.05), swallowing (p < 0.05), eye blinking (p < 0.01), head movements, and all hand to body contact movements (p < 0.01), except for head anteflexion (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes during the second and third trimesters in mouthing, yawning, and sucking (p > 0.05). At the middle of the third trimester, the fetuses displayed decreasing or stagnant incidence of fetal facial expressions except for eye blinking, which showed increased frequency with increasing gestational age. A statistically significant correlation was found between all head movements and hand to body contact patterns during the second and third trimesters except for head anteflexion (r = ?0.231; p > 0.05).

Conclusions.?The full range of quantitative fetal facial expressions and fetal movement patterns can be assessed successfully by 4D sonography. It is important to be able to assess normal fetal behavior throughout gestation to identify abnormal behavior before birth.     

Isolated fetal intracardiac hyperechogenic focus associated with neonatal outcome and triple test results

Objective To investigate the relationship between isolated intracardiac hyperechogenic focus (IHF) in the mid trimester of pregnancy with neonatal outcomes and triple test results. Materials and methods The study included low-risk pregnant women who came for routine follow-up to our antenatal clinic between years 2000 and 2005. A detailed structural survey by ultrasound (USG) of the fetal heart was performed on each fetus in the mid-trimester of pregnancy. All patients had mid-trimester triple tests performed between the 16th and 18th weeks’ of pregnancy. We recruited a total of 40 pregnancies that had fetal IHF in the level II USG examination and a control group of 100 healthy pregnant women those which were followed-up during the same period. Twenty-nine fetuses (72.5%) had left, 8 (20%) had right whereas 3 (7.5%) had bilateral ventricular IHF. We compared the perinatal and neonatal outcomes and triple test results of the fetuses that had right and left IHF, and the controls. Results Cytogenetic amniocentesis was performed to 6 (15%) women in the study and 5 (5%) in the control group and all were normal. During follow-up IHF spontaneously disappeared in 30 fetuses [right (n: 5), left (n: 23) or bilateral (n: 2)]. We did not observe any cardiac problem in the postnatal period in all newborns. Only one infant (2.5%) in the study group was admitted to neonatal intensive care unit because of prematurity. Median delivery weeks (P = 0.023), head circumference (P = 0.013), 5-min Apgar score (P = 0.021] and apnea (P = 0.042) were significantly higher in fetuses with right IHF. Compared to the controls, median delivery weeks (P = 0.038) was significantly higher in fetuses with right IHF, but head circumference (P = 0.004), 1-min (P = 0.003) and 5-min (P < 0.001) Apgar scores were lower in fetuses with left IHF. However no difference was observed in second-trimester serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and estriol (E₃) levels, in the three groups. There was no correlation between serum HCG, AFP and E₃ levels and the presence of IHF. Conclusions Isolated IHF in the fetal heart in the mid-trimester of pregnancy seems not associated with adverse neonatal outcome and does not correlate with triple test results.     

专家型远程胎儿监护系统的临床应用

目的　探讨专家型远程胎儿监护系统作为围产期孕妇家庭自我监护方法的临床应用价值。方法　将 2 84例孕妇按随机数字表法分为试验组 (134例 )和对照组 (15 0例 ) ,试验组中高危孕妇73例、非高危孕妇 6 1例 ,对照组高危孕妇 78例、非高危孕妇 72例。试验组孕妇以专家型远程胎儿监护系统结合胎动计数进行家庭自我监护 ,每日定时听取、传输胎心率至监护中心 ,选择胎动活跃时每周在家中进行胎儿无负荷试验 (NST) 1～ 2次 ;自觉胎动异常时及时行NST检查 ,并传输胎心率曲线图至监护中心 ,医生根据结果即时做出诊断和处理。对照组以胎动计数和常规门诊NST检查作为监护方式。结果　试验组NST异常检出率 (2 2 0 % )较对照组 (13 5 % )显著升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ,试验组中高危孕妇与非高危孕妇异常NST检出率分别为 2 2 3%和 2 1 6 % ,差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ;试验组新生儿窒息发生率 (1 5 % )明显低于对照组 (4 0 % ,P <0 0 5 )。结论　专家型远程胎儿监护系统是家庭自我监护的新方法 ,它可减轻妊娠晚期孕妇的心理压力 ,降低新生儿窒息率     

Maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movements as a measure of fetal well-being

Maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movements was studied on 613 occasions in 259 risk pregnancies. The response was compared with a non-stress (N-S) test performed immediately after the sound stimulation. A positive response to sound stimulation, recorded as a fetal movement by the mother, occurred on 534 occasions (87%) and was always accompanied by a normal N-S test; sensitivity 100%. An inconclusive (3%) or negative response to sound (10%) had a specificity of 89% and a predictive value for a pathological N-S test of 19%. There was a positive correlation between inconclusive or negative test results and fetal growth retardation (P less than 0.01), fetal hypoxia (P less than 0.05) and neonatal mortality (P less than 0.05). This rapid test may have a place as a simple first-line screening test.     

The comparison of fetal behavior in high risk and normal pregnancies assessed by four dimensional ultrasound

Objective.?We compared fetal behavior (FB) in high risk and normal pregnancies using four dimensional ultrasound (4DUS).

Methods.?For assessment of FB in high risk and normal pregnancies, we used a scoring system of Kurjak's antenatal neurological test (KANET). The newborns were assessed by a postnatal neurological test, Amiel-Tison neurological assessment at term (ATNAT). The scores of KANET in high risk (N?=?116) and in normal pregnancies (N?=?110) were compared. After delivery, the results of KANET from both groups were compared with ATNAT test.

Results.?There was a statistically significant difference between group of high risk and normal pregnancies, for 8 out of 10 parameters in KANET: isolated anteflection of the head, eye blinking, facial expressions, mouth movements, isolated hand movement, hand to face movement, fist and finger movements, general movements. There was no difference for cranial sutures and isolated leg movements. Comparison of KANET and ATNAT showed statistically significant, moderate correlation between the two tests, which means that the neuropediatric exam (ATNAT) confirmed the prenatal 4DUS finding (KANET).

Conclusion.?The difference of FB between the high risk and normal pregnancies was evident. These preliminary results are promising but further studies have to be done before the test could be recommended for wider clinical practice.     

Fetal hiccups; characteristics and relation to fetal heart rate

In 35 two-hour recordings of fetal heart rate and fetal movements, 14 periods of fetal hiccups were present (1.2% of the recording time) with a median duration of 3.5 min (range 1 to 8 min). No specific relation to behavioural states or movement patterns could be identified. The hiccupping frequency varied from 10 to 21 per min. Within a hiccupping spell, the mean frequency decreased from 20 ± 11 to 12 ± 6.2 per min. A small but evident increase in baseline frequency was present during the hiccupping spells, independent from other movements performed by the fetus.     

振动声音刺激引起胎动胎心率加速对预测胎儿预后的意义

本文对319例单胎足月孕妇进行振动声音刺激试验(VAS—T)及声刺激引起的胎动(SPFM)与传统的无负荷试验(NST)对预测胎儿预后的临床意义进行前瞻性对比研究。结果三者的阴性预测价值及敏感性均很高。VAS—T及SPFM的特异性、阳性预测价值均明显高于NST,而假阳性率显著低于NST,且大大缩短了试验时间,表明VAS—T及SPFM是有效、简便、省时、经济的产前胎儿监护方法。     

高龄妊娠对胎儿疾病的影响

目的探讨高龄妊娠对胎儿疾病的影响。 方法回顾性分析2009年1月至2014年12月在广州医科大学附属第三医院妇产科分娩的28 897例单胎孕妇的临床资料。按照年龄分为≥35岁组(3 670例)和18～34岁组(25 227例)。分析两组孕妇胎儿疾病的发生情况,采用卡方检验及U检验对数据进行统计学分析。 结果纳入研究的单胎孕妇中年龄≥35岁组占12.70%,18～34岁组占87.30%。≥35岁组胎儿疾病总发生率显著高于18～34岁组(2.62%与2.04%,χ²＝5.106,P＝0.024)。≥35岁组死胎、胎儿染色体异常和多发畸形发生率分别为1.66%、0.57%和1.36‰,也明显高于18～34岁组的1.41%,0.12%和0.44‰,P均<0.05。 结论高龄孕妇死胎、胎儿染色体异常、多发畸形发生率增高。     

Umbilical artery Doppler in the assessment of fetal growth restriction

Antepartum fetal surveillance with Doppler ultrasound of umbilical artery has shown significant diagnostic efficacy in identifying fetal compromise in pregnancies complicated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Its effectiveness in decreasing perinatal mortality has been shown by randomized clinical trials (Level I evidence). This test is the only antepartum fetal test that has shown this level of effectiveness and should be the standard of practice in managing FGR (Level A recommendation). The overall management considerations should encompass other standard fetal monitoring tests (Level B and C recommendations).     

妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症发生死胎的临床因素分析

目的 探讨妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症(ICP)孕妇发生胎儿死亡的临床特点、实验室指标及胎儿监护手段.方法 对1999年1月至2010年12月浙江大学医学院附属妇产科医院收治的发生死胎的21例ICP孕妇的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 (1)21例ICP孕妇的平均年龄(30.2±4.6)岁,其中＞35岁者4例;经产妇6例,1例2年前因ICP发生死胎而引产1次;20例单胎妊娠,1例双胎妊娠.(2)21例ICP孕妇的死胎均发生在孕晚期,胎儿死亡的孕周为29～41周,平均(33.8±4.2)周.12例发生在孕29～37周,9例发生在孕37周后.9例为门诊B超检查时确诊胎死宫内;9例因诊断ICP入院治疗期间发生胎心消失;2例临产后胎心消失;1例胎心监护提示V型减速,拟行急诊刮宫产术于麻醉期间胎心消失.在所有ICP孕妇中围产儿死亡率为0.148%(21/14 184).(3)21例ICP孕妇均有皮肤瘙痒,其中11例有全身皮肤瘙痒.10例在发生死胎前自觉胎动减少或消失.21例ICP孕妇血清甘胆酸水平均升高,其中21.49～64.48 μmol/L 11例,t≥64.48 μmol/L 10例.血清总胆汁酸水平升高16例(另5例未检查),最高达270μmoL/L.血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶和天冬氨酸氨基转移酶水平升高14例,总胆红素＞21μmol/L 7例,直接胆红素升高12例.21例ICP孕妇中,重度15例,轻度6例.(4)9例孕妇门诊即确诊宫内死胎未做胎心监护,其余12例住院检查结果 为:胎心监护结果 可疑2例,无应激试验(NST)提示胎心轻度V型减速1例,B超提示脐动脉舒张期血流缺如3例,胎儿生物物理指标评分低值1例.(5)21例ICP孕妇均经阴道分娩.6例为自然宫缩娩出死胎,其余15例予米非司酮配合依沙吖啶羊膜腔注射或缩宫素引产,14例在48 h内成功娩出死胎,仅1例追加地诺前列酮栓后引产成功.所有死胎外观无异常,脐带长度均在正常范围,有4例脐带绕颈或绕体.胎盘胎膜外观无异常,18例羊水Ⅲ度胎粪污染,2例合并羊水过少.10例行死胎及胎盘病理检查,其中1例合并多发畸形,其余死胎病理检查未见明显异常,10例胎盘病理检查均有绒毛膜周围或底蜕膜、大血管周围的纤维蛋白沉积,同时伴有钙化、退行性变、红色梗死及局灶性合体细胞结节增多.结论 ICP孕妇发生死胎的孕周常在孕晚期,时间常在正常宫缩后,ICP重度可能是发生死胎的关键因素;尚无有效的胎儿监护指标可预测死胎的发生.因此,应综合评估病情,加强胎儿监护,适时终止妊娠.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical features,critical laboratory parameters,and fetal monitoring methods in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP).Methods A retrospective analysis of 21 cases of ICP suffered with fetal death in Women's hospital.School of Medicine.Zhejiang University from January 1999 to December 2010 were discussed.Results(1)The average age of ICP patients suffered with fetal death were(30.2±4.6)years old.Among them,4 cases were older than 35 years,six cases were multipara.oneo of them suffered stillbirth 2 year before.Twenty cases were singleton pregnancies and 1 cage was twin pregnancy.(2)All 21 cases of fetal death occurred in the third trimester,12 cases occurred before 37 weeks,9 cases after 37 weeks.Nine cases were diagnosed by ultrasound in outpatient clinics,fetal heart beat disappeared in 9 patients after admission because of ICP, two disappeared after labor, one during anesthesia before emergent surgery. Perinatal mortality rate of ICP was 0. 148% (21/14 184), and fetal death occurred from 29 to 41 weeks with an average gestational age of ( 33.8 ± 4. 2 ) weeks, ( 3 ) Puritus occurred in all 21 cases while 11 of them had pruritus all over the body. Ten pregnant women felt the fetal movement decreased or disappeared before diagnosis of fetal death. The glycocholic acid levels increased in all of the 21 cases. Among them, glycocholic acid levels in 11 cases were (21.49 -64. 48) μmol/L, while in 10 cases were ≥64. 48 μmol/L Serum bile acid levels elevated in 16 cases which had been analyzed ( the other 5 cases had not been checked ), and the highest level reached 270 μmol/L Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased in 14 cases. Seven cases had their total bilirubin ＞21 μmoL/L, and 12 cases had their direct bilirubin levels significantly elevated. Among the 21 cases of ICP, 15 cases were in severe status, while the other 6 cases were mild. (4) Nine patients had no antepartum surveillance since fetal death were diagnosed before admission. The results of antepartum surveillance were as follows: 2 cases had nonreassuring nonstress test (NST), one had mild "V" type deceleration. Absence of diastolic flow in umbilical artery were found in 3 cases, and low fetal biophysical score was got in one case. ( 5 ) All 21 patients had vaginal delivery. Six of them delivered after natural contraction, and the remaining 14 cases delivered after oral intake of mifepristone and amniotic injection of ethacridine, or oxytocin induced labor within 48 hours, only one case delivered after additional dinoprostone suppositories. The appearance of fetus, placentas and membranes were normal, the lengths of umbilical cord were average. Four cases were found with cords binding the necks or the bodies. Eighteen cases had grade Ⅲ amniotic fluid with meconium-stained, and 2 cases complicated by oligohydramnios. Ten cases had their fetuses and placentas examined by pathologist. Among them, one case had multiple malformations, no more obvious pathological abnormalities were found in other fetuses. Pathologic examination showed that fibrin deposited around chorion and deciduas basalis, large vessels accompanied by calcification, degeneration,hemorrhagic infarction, and increased focal syncytial nodules could be seen in all of the ten placentas. Conclusions Fetal death in pregnant women with ICP of ten occurs after the contractions, Severe ICP may be a key factor that involved in the occurrence of fetal death. Up to now, there is no valid indicators in fetal monitoring, which can predict fetal death. Extensive assessment of the severity and careful antepartum surveillance should be achieved before timely termination of pregnancy.     

Four-dimensional sonographic assessment of fetal facial expression early in the third trimester.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristic patterns of facial expression in fetuses aged from 28 to 34 weeks using 4-dimensional (4-D) ultrasonography. METHODS: The faces of 10 healthy fetuses aged from 28 to 34 weeks were recorded continuously for 15 min with a 4-D ultrasonographic machine performing up to 25 frames per second. The occurrence rates of blinking, mouthing, yawning, tongue expulsion, smiling, scowling, and sucking were evaluated. RESULTS: Mouthing was the most frequent facial expression (median, 6.5; range, 2-19) whereas the least frequent were scowling (median, 1; range, 0-9) and sucking (median, 1; range, 0-2). Mouthing was evident in all fetuses and significantly more frequent than any other movement (P<.05). Yawning (median, 3; range, 0-6), smiling (median, 2; range, 0-9), and blinking (median, 1.5; range, 0-6) were observed in most cases. Tongue expulsion (median, 1.5; range, 0-5), scowling, and sucking were each observed in 6 cases. CONCLUSION: 4-D sonography provides a means of evaluating fetal facial expression early in the third trimester. It may be a key to predicting fetal brain function and well-being and an important modality in future fetal neurophysiologic research.     

Fetal heart rate and fetal movements.

Fetal Heart Rate (F.H.R.) in association with fetal movement was evaluated in 141 normal and pathological pregnancies. In the normal cases only 31% showed an acceleration of F.H.R. in association with fetal movement. The majority of the normal cases, 62%, did not demonstrate changes in F.H.R. in association with fetal movement. In the pathological pregnancies there were no characteristic changes in F.H.R. associated with fetal movement. It appears that F.H.R. acceleration associated with fetal movement cannot be used as an index for fetal well being.