Study of Fetal Movements Using Multichannel Ultrasound Pulsed Doppler in Normal and Pathologic Pregnancy

Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Fetal Movements Using Multichannel Ultrasound Pulsed Doppler in Normal and Pathologic Pregnancy

To enable an investigation of fetal movements, the researchers have developed a multichannel ultrasound pulsed Doppler called ACTIFOETUS. This new fetal monitor includes three transducers of four sensors which are placed on three different zones of the mother's abdomen. One of the transducers is aimed at the fetal heart, another at the lower limbs and one transducer at the thorax and the fetal upper limbs to detect heart and body movements. The signals are analysed and processed by software which computes a number of parameters describing the movements.

Ninety pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation will be monitored over a 40 minute period every month or every 2 weeks in case of pathological pregnancy. The final purpose will be to develop a system of home monitoring as an indicator of fetal well-being.

The main objective of the study is to detect quantitative and qualitative disorders of fetal movements from 28 weeks of amenorrhea on a fetus presenting in fetal distress.

The fetal rhythm will be recorded during 24 hours and a correlation between maternal and fetal movements will be studied.

Specific measures:

• The fetal heart rate
• The number and extent of fetal movements

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Pregnancy with singleton
• Woman from 28 weeks of amenorrhea

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fetal malformation