Ultrasonographic patterns of fetal breathing movements in normal pregnancy

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 80; no. 3; pp. 285 - 290
• Main Authors: Cosmi, E.V, Anceschi, M.M, Cosmi, E, Piazze, J.J, La Torre, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.03.2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Abdominal Wall - diagnostic imaging; Abdominal Wall - physiology; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Doppler; Embryonic and Fetal Development - physiology; Female; Fetal breathing movements; Fetal Movement - physiology; Fetus; Gestational Age; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Management. Prenatal diagnosis; Medical sciences; Pregnancy - physiology; Pregnancy. Fetus. Placenta; Prenatal Care; Reference Values; Respiration; Respiratory Mechanics - physiology; Thoracic Wall - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Wall - physiology; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Ultrasound; Fetus; Fetal breathing movements; Ultrasound; Doppler; Sonography; Doppler ultrasound study; Human; Breathing rate; Respiratory movement; Pregnancy; Prenatal; Echography; Female; Diagnosis
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7292(02)00384-3

Objective: To assess through pregnancy fetal breathing movements (FBMs) patterns detected by M-mode and Doppler velocimetry technology. Methods: In this cross-sectional study FBMs were investigated in 1882 uncomplicated pregnancies over a 4-year period. Abdominal and thoracic wall movements of fetuses between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation were studied by M-Mode scan, and color Doppler velocimetry with spectral imaging analysis was used to investigate the presence of FBMs associated with nasal fluid flow velocity waveforms (NFFVWs). Results: Abdominal movements were observed in 19% of cases when gestation was less than 20 weeks and in 61% of cases when it was between 21 and 25 weeks; chest movements were significant after 21 weeks; and NFFVWs were detected at 22 weeks and increased progressively to 93% of cases at term. Conclusions: Fetal breathing movements are a complex phenomenon with a composite, progressive pattern of development during gestation.