[Evaluation of fetal movements with ultrasonic Doppler fetal actograph]

Abstract

Fetal movements in each trimester were recorded objectively and continuously with an ultrasonic Doppler actograph that enables simultaneous tracing of fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal movement (FM). The record with this method was compared with those of the ultrasonic B-mode and M-mode respectively. The onset of FM signal bursts and FHR acceleration was nearly synchronous and the transitory FHR increase associated with FM signal bursts showed a linear amplitude increment along with the progress of gestation. Fetal hiccup movements were recorded from 24 weeks of gestation and lasted between 4.3 minutes and 17 minutes with a rate of 25 to 28 per minute. No FHR acceleration was recognized in such movements. Maternal perception was 67.7% on average of FM signal bursts. Fetal movements in early pregnancy were detected in the 11th week of gestation (CRL 54 mm). Long-term recording of fetal movements was carried out between 9:30 and 17:00 and the alternation of active and resting phases was investigated. The resting phase lasted 20 minutes on average, (range, 10 to 36 minutes). The fetal activity was not influenced by the maternal food intake. It is clinically significant to evaluate the change in fetal movements objectively and continuously.