Efficacy of assessment in fetal behaviour by four dimensional ultrasonography

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the behaviour and facial expressions of the fetus after birth by 4-dimensional (4-D) ultrasonography, and the association of the biophysical profile (BPP) with the Doppler scale. A total of 40 singleton pregnancies were included. All 4-D ultrasonographies were performed using the Accuvix XQ (Medison® Co. Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea). The BPP and Doppler were performed on gravidas using 2-D ultrasonography. We recorded the newborn while awake no later than 48 h after delivery. The most frequent movement in fetuses and newborn was yawning and isolated arm movements, respectively. Sucking, swallowing (r = 0.78) and isolated limb movements (r = 0.72) in fetuses as observed by 4-D ultrasonography had a relationship with isolated limb movements in the newborn. Because of the limitation of ultrasonography, an overall comparison could not be made. There was a high correlation between sucking, swallowing, and isolated limb movements in fetuses and newborn.

Keywords:

• Facial expression
• fetal behaviour
• four-dimensional ultrasonography

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank the Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology for funding support. We also extend our thanks to the high-risk women and fetuses who were enrolled.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.