HDlive Study of Fetal Development and Behavior

Abstract

We present the latest HDlive studies of fetal development and behavior during pregnancy. Marked changes of embryonic and fetal development and movement with advancing gestation were noted in the first trimester of pregnancy. Various realistic facial expressions (or facial movements) were recognized in the second and third trimesters. In particular, blinking, mouthing, swallowing, yawning, tongue expulsion, and sucking were clearly depicted. Moreover, various extraordinarily realistic features of fetal emotion-like behavior were identified. HDlive observation of fetal behavior and facial expressions may reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus. HDlive may become an important modality in future research on fetal neurobehavioral development and assist in evaluation of the fetal brain function.

Three-dimensional ultrasonography by means of HDlive rendering in the first trimester of pregnancy: A pictorial review

“…In particular, 3D HDlive rendering images of the acardiac fetus seemed to be more readily discernible than those obtained by 2D and conventional 3D sonography because the 3D HDlive rendering provided a natural and anatomically realistic appearance of the acardiac fetus (25)(26)(27). HDlive has been shown to improve our understanding of neurobehavioral development in twins and assist in the investigation of inter-twin temperament and relationship (28,29). It can aid the prenatal diagnosis of orofacial malformations such as cleft lip as it enables enhanced anatomical details of the facial surface and structures even at a very early stage of embryo-fetal development ( Figure 8).…”

HDlive in the Assessment of Fetal Facial Abnormalities

“…The fetal facial anatomical structures, such as the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth, can be identified at 12 to 13 weeks of gestation 14 …”

Current status of fetal neurodevelopmental assessment: Four‐dimensional ultrasound study

“…2,3 With the appearance and development of fourdimensional (4-D) ultrasound, fetal movements, behaviors, and facial expressions can now be observed. [4][5][6] Moreover, maternal and fetal stress, fetal pain, and fetal consciousness are being discussed using this technique. 7 In twin pregnancy, twin fetal developments and intertwin contacts and stimulations have been investigated using 4-D ultrasound.…”