FETAL NEUROBEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT & POSTNATAL CONTINUITY

最近的技术进步为我们打开了一扇窗户， 胎儿的行为和生理功能。 然而，预测 正常和高危胎儿中枢神经系统受损的风险 仍然是个谜 许多形式的微妙本质 胎儿妥协需要发展的检测方法， 胎儿神经行为功能 这项研究的目的是 建立胎儿发育评估方法。 先进 数据收集的方法将用于量化胎儿的成分， 通过使用实时超声检查的发展， 心脏分娩描记术。 这些参数包括胎儿状态组织， 运动性和自主性（即，心脏）功能。 两项研究 建议调查正常和 高危胎儿，以及从产前到产后的功能连续性， 产后生活 胎儿行为和生理指标将 在基线条件下进行评估，并对环境 刺激。 研究1旨在提供描述性信息 关于监测的25例受试者的正常胎儿发育 从GA第20周到足月，每月纵向间隔一次。 数据 关于母体压力、胎儿心率和变异性、呼吸 运动、状态、运动性和对振动声刺激的反应性 将在每次评估时收集。 研究2将收集相同的 在妊娠三个时间点（24、30和36周）的数据来自两个风险 组：糖尿病母亲的胎儿和生长迟缓胎儿。 数据 将收集另外一组正常胎儿， 与研究1的数据，提供规范性参考。 神经行为 将对新生儿进行评估，以评价 神经功能和结果的个体差异的可预测性 在群体中。 7个月随访将检查 胎儿功能和随后的发育/认知 早期婴儿期的结果。 这项研究计划将提供独特的 与胎儿评估的临床应用和 发展心理学的基本结构

Recent technological advances have permitted a window into the behavioral and physiological functioning of the fetus. Yet, prediction of central nervous system compromise in both normal and at-risk fetuses from antenatal events remains illusive. The subtle nature of many forms of fetal compromise require development of detection methods which index fetal neurobehavioral functioning. The goal of this research is to establish methods of developmental assessment of the fetus. Advanced methods of data collection will be used to quantify components of fetal development through the use of real-time ultrasonography and cardiotocography. These parameters include fetal state organization, motility, and autonomic (i.e., cardiac) functioning. Two studies are proposed to investigate the ontogeny of development in normal and at-risk fetuses, and the continuity of function from prenatal to postnatal life. Fetal behavioral and physiological measures will be evaluated during baseline conditions, and in response to environmental stimuli. Study 1 is designed to provide descriptive information concerning normal fetal development in 25 subjects monitored longitudinally at monthly intervals from 20 weeks GA through term. Data concerning maternal stress, fetal heart rate and variability, breathing movements, state, motility, and reactivity to vibroacoustic stimulation will be collected at each assessment. Study 2 will collect the same data at three points in gestation (24, 30, and 36 weeks) from two risk groups: fetuses of diabetic mothers, and growth retarded fetuses. Data on an additional group of normal fetuses will be collected, and together with data from Study 1, provide normative reference. Neurobehavioral assessment of the neonate will be implemented to evaluate continuity in neural function, and predictability of individual differences in outcome within groups. A follow-up at 7-months will examine associations between fetal functioning and subsequent developmental/ cognitive outcome in-early infancy. This research program will provide unique data relevant to both clinical application of fetal assessment, and to basic constructs underlying developmental psychology.