The fetal phonogram: a measure of fetal activity.
In 12 pregnant mothers fetal sounds and infrasounds were recorded by means of a new compliance matched transducer and compared with a simultaneous ultrasound record of fetal activity. A defined pattern on the fetal phonograph correlated with 86% of the total fetal breathing detected with ultrasound, and a further distinctive pattern was associated with 90% of fetal movements. Examination of the fetal phonocardiogram when the fetus was breathing showed a significant increase in the short-term variability of both the systolic and diastolic times when compared with non-breathing episodes. The median amplitude variabilities for both the first and the second heart sounds were also significantly increased during fetal breathing. Measurement of fetal sounds and infrasounds with a compliance matched transducer offers a non-invasive method for assessment of fetal activity for long periods of time.
Colley
N
N
Talbert
D G
DG
Abraham
N G
NG
Davies
W L
WL
Fayers
P
P
Southall
D P
DP
D001314:Auscultation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000502:physiology; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009068:Movement; D010701:Phonocardiography / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D012119:Respiration; D013997:Time Factors; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography