Fetal Behavioral Dynamics in Cephalic Versus Breech Presentations

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Hernani Goncalves (Author) FCUP; Ayres de Campos, D (Author) Other; Joao Bernardes (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Developmental Psychobiology

Vol. 56 No. 1

Pages: 1595-1600

ISSN: 0012-1630

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-VRF

DOI: 10.1002/dev.21242

Abstract (EN): 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. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6