4D ultrasound evaluation of fetal facial expressions during the latter stages of the second trimester

Abstract Objective To assess the frequency of fetal facial expressions at 25–27 weeks of gestation using 4D ultrasound. Methods Twenty-four normal fetuses were examined using 4D ultrasound. The face of each fetus was recorded continuously for 15 minutes. The frequencies of tongue expulsion, yawning,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 121; no. 3; pp. 257 - 260
Main Authors Kanenishi, Kenji, Hanaoka, Uiko, Noguchi, Junko, Marumo, Genzo, Hata, Toshiyuki
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.06.2013
Subjects
4D ultrasound
Face - diagnostic imaging
Facial Expression
Female
Fetal brain function
Fetal Development - physiology
Fetal facial expression
Fetal neurophysiology
Fetal wellbeing
Gestational Age
Humans
Image Enhancement
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
Second trimester
Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods
Second trimester
Fetal neurophysiology
Fetal brain function
4D ultrasound
Fetal facial expression
Fetal wellbeing
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Summary:Abstract Objective To assess the frequency of fetal facial expressions at 25–27 weeks of gestation using 4D ultrasound. Methods Twenty-four normal fetuses were examined using 4D ultrasound. The face of each fetus was recorded continuously for 15 minutes. The frequencies of tongue expulsion, yawning, sucking, mouthing, blinking, scowling, and smiling were assessed and compared with those observed at 28–34 weeks of gestation in a previous study. Results Mouthing was the most common facial expression at 25–27 weeks of gestation; the frequency of mouthing was significantly higher than that of the other 6 facial expressions ( P < 0.05). Yawning was significantly more frequent than the other facial expressions, apart from mouthing ( P < 0.05). The frequencies of yawning, smiling, tongue expulsion, sucking, and blinking differed significantly between 25–27 and 28–34 weeks ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The results indicate that facial expressions can be used as an indicator of normal fetal neurologic development from the second to the third trimester. 4D ultrasound may be a valuable tool for assessing fetal neurobehavioral development during gestation.
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ISSN:0020-7292
1879-3479
DOI:10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.01.018