title: Abnormal fetal behaviour in first trimester spontaneous abortion.
abstract: The behaviour of 5 fetuses at 10 weeks of gestational age that later underwent a spontaneous abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy was compared to similar aged normal fetuses (n = 116). Marked abnormalities of behaviour were noted in three of the pregnancies that spontaneously aborted. These behavioural abnormalities were not identified in any of the pregnancies which continued to term. We conclude that fetal behaviour, which reflects the neural integrity of the individual, and thus fetal well-being, can be used during the first trimester to give an indication as to the viability of the on-going pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University of Belfast, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahidullah
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Hepper
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal