Fetal breathing and body movement in relation to maternal meals in normal and insulin-dependent pregnancies.

Fetal respiratory (FRM)and body movement (FBM) were studied on a transverse cross-section of the fetal upper-abdomen and plotted on a magnetic tape using an event marker. A total of 8 normal and 8 insulin-dependent pregnancies between 29 and 39 weeks was studied. In normal pregnancies, the % incidence of FRM and FBM was calculated from recordings which started 30 minutes before the beginning of a meal and lasted up to 90 minutes following the end of a meal. The meal itself/ starting at 8, 12 and 17 hours lasted 15 minutes during which no recording was made. Maternal blood glucose (MBG) levels were measured every 30 minutes before and following a meal. In diabetic pregnancy, the same procedure was followed, except for breakfast and dinner which was preceded by a 60 minute . recording period, since insulin was administered at 7.30 and 16.30 i.e. 30 minutes before the meal.