Analysis of fetal movements by Doppler actocardiogram and fetal B-mode imaging

With advances in instrumentation, evaluation of fetal heart rate tracings c an be combined with B-mode imaging to assess fetal activity and Doppler eva luation of cardiac activity. These additional approaches will allow investi gation into the fetal active and resting states, as well as the fetal respo nses to acoustic and visual stimuli. Fetal motion analysis also demonstrate s the scarce activity early in fetal life; fetal activity increases and mov ements become quicker at later gestation. Evaluation of fetal movements in addition to routine biophysical monitoring of fetal heart rate appears to b e an attractive tool in the surveillance of fetal well-being.