Abstract
Cyclic variation in embryonic and fetal movement at 0.1–1.0 cycle/min (cpm) occurs normally in many vertebrates, including the human, and may play a role in neuromuscular development. To determine the effect of alterations in the prenatal environment on the development of CM in the human, 23 FDMs (21 class B-D, 1 A, 1 R) were studied longitudinally 2-7 times (4±l, mean ± SD) from 23–40 wks of gestation. Fetal movement was detected by two strain gauges on the mother's abdomen and digitized in 5 sec intervals during a 14-47 min (26±7) period free of artifacts. Spectral analysis revealed strong CM at .08 - 1.22 cpm (.37±.20) in all fetuses (83/95 individual records), suggesting cyclic activation is a robust property of the immature motor system in the human as in other vertebrates. However, CM was temporarily absent (i.e., for 1 record) in 12/23 FDMs, vs. 3/29 normal fetuses in a previous study (<.01). Most parameters of CM were stable across age, but its frequency began low and nearly doubled (p<.01) from .24±.07 to .47±.28 cpm between 26 and 37 wks, a pattern not seen in normal fetuses. During the same period, CM in the band between .18 and 1.02 cpm increased then decreased (p<.02), in contrast to a steady increase in normal fetuses. It remains to be seen if the isolated absence and altered development of CM reflect concurrent metabolic disturbance (although the differences were unrelated to newborn macrosomia or repeated 3rd trimester bouts of maternal hyperglycemia), or are instead sequelae of early neuroembryologic changes in FDMs.
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Robertson, S., Dierker, L. 1498 ATYPICAL CYCLIC MOTILITY (CM) IN FETUSES OF DIABETIC MOTHERS (FDMs). Pediatr Res 19, 360 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01522
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01522