Ultrasonic assessment of fetal response to second-trimester amniocentesis
Gianopoulos, J.; Elias, S.S.; Simpson, J.L.; Tamura, R.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 67(3): 410-413
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 3511420 Document Number: 271641
Twenty-three patients undergoing second-trimester amniocentesis were ultrasonically monitored for 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the amniocentesis. Fetal movements were recorded as movements of limbs, trunk, or combined limb-trunk movements. Fetal heart rates were determined at ten-minute intervals before and after the amniocentesis. No significant increase in total fetal movements, limb movements, trunk movements, or heart rate were found. A significant increase in combined fetal movements was observed. The authors conclude that amniocentesis in the second trimester elicits a change in fetal movement pattern.