Visualization and quantitation of fetal movements by real-time three-dimensional ultrasound with live xPlane imaging in the first trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

AimTo prove whether real-time three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound with live xPlane imaging is better in observing fetal movements than standard ultrasound imaging.Methods50 healthy women with singleton pregnancies (22-43 years old) at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation underwent real-time 3D ultrasound examination with live xPlane imaging from July 2014 to February 2015. The incidence and frequency of 10 fetal movement patterns in 10 minutes were evaluated, including general movements (GMs), isolated arm movements, isolated leg movements, hiccup, stretching, breathing, startle, jaw opening, isolated head retroflexion, and isolated head anteflexion. The correlation between gestational age and frequency of each fetal movement pattern was analyzed.ResultsGM had the highest incidence (100%), followed by startle (84%) and isolated arm movements (68%). Their median frequency was 5 (IQR 3-6), 5 (IQR 1.75-11.5), and 1 (IQR 0-2), respectively. GM (Z = 5.875, P < 0.001) and startle (Z = 5.302, P < 0.001) had significantly higher frequency than isolated arm movements. The other 7 fetal movement patterns had much lower incidence and frequency. The frequency of GM was positively correlated with gestational age (r = 0.360, P = 0.010).ConclusionReal-time 3D ultrasound with live x Plane imaging was shown to be a feasible tool for observing fetal movements.

Evaluation of embryonic posture using four‐dimensional ultrasound and virtual reality

“…This is in line with the study of Kuno et al who examined fetal behavior, rest and activity periods, in fetuses at 14-18 weeks GA using 3D ultrasound acquiring images every 1 to 2 s. 22 Promising is the ongoing attempt to expand real-time imaging performing 3D ultrasound, as realized by the group of Lu et al, using two parallel planes for fetal evaluation. 23 However, when we compare our findings and those of de Vries et al, who investigated longitudinally (between 7 and 19 weeks' GA) embryo rest and movement time in 12 healthy nulliparous women by means of 2D transabdominal ultrasound, 24 we find a higher percentage of movement. They found a percentage of movement for nine and 10 weeks' GA of respectively 9% and 17%.…”

“…who examined fetal behavior, rest and activity periods, in fetuses at 14–18 weeks GA using 3D ultrasound acquiring images every 1 to 2 s 22 . Promising is the ongoing attempt to expand real‐time imaging performing 3D ultrasound, as realized by the group of Lu et al ., using two parallel planes for fetal evaluation 23 …”

Jaw‐neck movement integration in 6‐year‐old children differs from that of adults

“…Foetal movements commence at the first trimester with general movements, followed by breathing movements and head, neck and jaw movements (eg, jaw opening, yawning and sucking) . It has been reported that foetal jaw function is linked to the neck sensorimotor system, with neck movements strongly associated with jaw movements .…”

Three‐dimensional visualization and quantitative analysis of embryonic and fetal thigh muscles using magnetic resonance and phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging

“…Currently, fetal morphology and movement can be assessed using three‐dimensional (3D) and four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasonography; thereby, quantification of fetal activity (such as the timing and frequency of movements throughout development) is becoming more widespread (Lu et al, 2016). Previous studies have shown that fetal movements are first observed between 7‐ and 8.5‐week postmenstrual age (PMA).…”