title: Fetal behavioral dynamics in cephalic versus breech presentations.
abstract: Differences in fetal neurodevelopment can have important implications on future perceptual and learning capabilities. The aim of this study was to assess autonomic nervous system and complexity dynamics in fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings from 27 singleton fetuses in cephalic or breech presentations, matched for gestational age (37(+3) -40(+4) weeks), weight, gender and outcome. Breeches exhibited significantly higher mean FHR and LF/(MF + HF) ratio, as well as lower entropy, denoting increased sympatho-vagal balance and decreased complexity, consistent with the occurrence of more active fetal behavioral states. These findings suggest that there are neurodevelopment differences between fetuses in cephalic and breech presentation.
authors: Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal. hernanigoncalves@med.up.pt.
authors: Hernâni
authors: H
authors: Gonçalves
authors: Diogo
authors: D
authors: Ayres-de-Campos
authors: João
authors: J
authors: Bernardes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001946:Breech Presentation / Q000523:psychology*; D019277:Entropy; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: breech presentation; development; entropy; fetal behavior; heart rate; spectral analysis