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REAL-TIME ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION OF FETAL ACTIVITY IN LABOUR
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb11255.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 86, Issue 4, pages 278–281, April 1979
Additional Information
How to Cite
Wittmann, B. K., Davison, B. M., Lyons, E., Frohlich, J. and Towell, M. E. (1979), REAL-TIME ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION OF FETAL ACTIVITY IN LABOUR. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 86: 278–281. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb11255.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
Fetal activity was observed by realtime ultrasound for one hour in 25 patients in labour. Fetal respiratory movement, although reduced compared to the antenatal period, was observed in 13 patients. In three patients, hiccough-like movements were noted. Fetal body and/or extremity movements were observed in all patients (mean 41/hour) and frequently occurred in episodes. These bursts of movements were significantly correlated with contractions and fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations. There was a significant association between absent or reduced number of fetal respiratory movements and/or hiccoughs (10 or less/hour) and an abnormal FHR. Absence of any type of fetal activity was also significantly associated with an abnormal FHR. The correlation between fetal activity and conventional methods of fetal assessment is discussed.