Current status of fetal neurodevelopmental assessment: Four‐dimensional ultrasound study
Abstract
With the latest advent of four-dimensional (4-D) ultrasound, fetal neurobehavioral or neurodevelopmental assessment can be easily and readily performed. Using this technique, typical fetal movements and behavioral patterns have become apparent in all three trimesters of pregnancy. In twin pregnancy, 4-D ultrasound facilitates the precise evaluation of inter-twin contact and intra-pair stimulation. New fetal neurobehavioral assessment tests, such as Kurjak's Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test and the Fetal Observable Movement System, may reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus, and will facilitate more precise assessments of fetal neurobehavior or neurodevelopment, and fetal brain and central nervous system functions. In this review article, I also discuss interesting topics regarding maternal and fetal stress, fetal pain, and fetal consciousness. Four-dimensional ultrasound has opened the door to new scientific fields, such as 'fetal neurology' and 'fetal psychology,' and fetal neurobehavioral science is at the dawn of a new era. Knowledge on fetal neurobehavior and neurodevelopment will be advanced through fetal behavioral research using this technique.
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Fetal movements and facial expressions were found to be correlated with fetal brain activity and development state.
“Additionally, fetal movements and facial expressions were found to be correlated with fetal brain activity and development state [100].”
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“Additionally, fetal movements and facial expressions were found to be correlated with fetal brain activity and development state [100].”
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Hata, T.
- Affiliations
- Kagawa University (JP)
- Corresponding author
- Hata, Toshiyuki
- ORCID
- Hata, Toshiyuki
- Venue
- Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2016-08-16
- Volume
- 42
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 1211-1221
- ISSN
- 1341-8076 (ISSN-L)
- 1447-0756
- OpenAlex
- W2508386341
- Cited by
- 27
- References
- 69
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 4
- FWCI
- 0.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (24119004)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Fetal and Pediatric Neurological Disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Neonatal and fetal brain pathology
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
- Keywords
- fetal brain development, fetal neurobehavior, 4D ultrasound, fetal movement, twin pregnancy, fetal central nervous system, fetal pain, fetal consciousness, maternal stress, fetal stress, fetal neurology
- MeSH terms
- Female, Fetal Diseases, Fetal Movement, Humans, Neurologic Examination, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimesters, Twins, Ultrasonography, Prenatal, Fetal Development, Pregnancy, Twin
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