BEHAVIORAL STATES AND STATE RELATED HEART-RATE AND MOTOR-ACTIVITY PATTERNS IN THE NEWBORN-INFANT AND THE FETUS ANTEPARTUM - COMPARATIVE-STUDY .1. TECHNIQUE, ILLUSTRATION OF RECORDINGS, AND GENERAL RESULTS

In order to investigate the influence of spontaneous changes of CNS activity on ante partum FHR and fetal motor activity state specific heart rate and motor activity patterns of newborn in fan t s were compared with patterns seen in the fetus. Instantaneous FHR derived from abdominal FECG, the external tocogram and fetal movements äs indicated by the mother via push button were recorded continuously for 8 hours on strip chait and analog tape. At least 4 days after parturition the same individuae, now newborn (except 2 anencephaiy, who died during parturition) were observed for assessment of newborn infant state behavior. Heart rate and respiration again were recorded for 8 hours continuously and during the whole time close observation and protocoi of the newborns states and all interesting events was performed. Visual evaluation and Computer analysis of recordings revealed that in the newborn infant state related heart rate pattern changes do occur and that identical heart rate patterns and their changes can be seen in the fetus too. Definition of states according to typical and comparable heart rate patterns in the newborn and in the fetus was supported by taking into account newborn and fetal motor activity patterns. © 1979, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.