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.
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.