Fetal Movements:

Abstract

Normal movement provides an important template for the study of abnormal movement patterns. The origins of normal movement are fetal motor patterns which arise spontaneously and can first be observed, with ultrasound, at 7-8 weeks of gestational age. This article is a comprehensive review and synthesis of the literature relating to quantitative and qualitative aspects of fetal movement patterns. Special emphasis is placed on qualitative aspects of fetal movements determined by means of ultrasonography. Evidence exists for prenatal diagnosis of CNS insult by means of aberrant motor patterns which may have utility for developmental therapists and their colleagues.