MATERNAL HYPOXEMIA AND FETAL BREATHING MOVEMENTS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (6) , 758-760
Abstract
Fetal breathing movements (FBM) were observed daily using a real-time B-mode ultrasound method in a patient with sickle cell anemia in crisis. Observations were made on 2 occasions in the presence of maternal hypoxemia (PO2 [partial pressure of oxygen] .ltoreq. 40 mm Hg), and FBM were noted to be absent. Conversely, when maternal PO2 was 60 mm Hg or greater, FBM were present 23-80% of the time. The FBM were reduced or absent within 90 min of maternal Demerol injection. The human fetal response to hypoxemia may evidently be similar to that observed under experimental conditions in the animal fetus.

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