Ultrasound monitoring of fetal movements. A method for assessing fetal development?

Abstract

Human fetal movements in utero have been analysed by conventional compound B-scan ultrasound techniques. With practice, movements of specific parts of the fetus can be readily recognised, and even as early as the 6th week after conception gross movements of the whole embryo are visible. Monitoring of fetal movements as an indication of normal or abnormal fetal development appears to have been neglected, and future studies in this important area of antenatal paediatrics are suggested.