Development of Normal Fetal Movements: The First 25 Weeks of Gestation

This work aims to provide a detailed reasoned map of fetal behavior by describing its features and evolution from 10 to 25 weeks gestation. Each behavioral event is described, measured in seconds and presented as it occurs in its natural sequence, thus providing a ‘real-time’ picture of fetal behavior. Links between events become clear, and events are connected to the changing anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and of the fetal body in general. Transient behaviour with its underlying structures and possible functions is carefully distinguished from anticipatory functions heralding post-natal life. Furthermore, phenomena of physiologic significance during prenatal life, but which can acquire pathological connotations for the premature infant having to meet the different requirements of the post-natal environment, are also outlined. Finally, various prenatal ‘myths’ are discussed, in order to give scientific information on issues;that are particularly relevant, given the heated pro-life versus pro-choice debate.


Table of contents 1 General Movements 2 Startles, Twitches and Clonuses 3 Hiccups, Yawning and Gasping 4 Fetal Breathing Movements 5 Swallowing, Sucking, and Handedness as Inferred from Fetal Thumb Sucking 6 Localized Movements 7 Facial Expressions 8 Rest-Activity Cycles, Clusters and the Ontogeny of Sleep 9 Twin Fetuses and Twin Myths 10 Conclusions. Movement is Life