To determine the morphological consequences and heart rate alterations in fetuses with hypomotility.
A sample of 40 patients was divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (the problem group) consisted of 20 pregnant patients who had been diagnosed with fetal hypomotility. Group 2 (the control group) consisted of 20 patients with a normal pregnancy.
Fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractility were measured for 2 hours. A Corometrics cardiotocograph model 0115JAA, series 0488301 was used.
The baseline FHR of the two groups was compared. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were 136.91 ¡À 8.75 beats/min in group 1 and 135.5 ¡À 10.57 beats /min in group 2. The difference between the means was one beat and the t-value was 0.46. This difference was not significant.
The mean and SD of the amplitude of the accelerations were calculated in both groups, obtaining values of 22.47 ¡À 7.76 in group 1 and 24.81 ¡À 7.41 in group 2. The difference between the means was two beats and the t-value was 0.97. This difference was not significant.
The time interval between the mother noticing the lack of fetal movement and the consultation was recorded in hours. The mean and SD were 35.5 ¡À 22.70 hours.
The time periods when FHR did not vary were recorded in minutes. The mean and SD were 28.94 ¡À 13.50 min.
In group 1, the physical status of the newborns was evaluated using the Apgar test at 1 and 5 minutes. At 1 minute, two of the neonates were depressed (Apgar scores of 2 and 5) and 18 were vigorous (Apgar scores of 7 to 9). At 5 minutes, Apgar scores were between 7 and 9 in 19 neonates. Only one neonate continued to be depressed, scoring -2.
In group 2, Apgar scores at 1 minute were between 7 and 9 in nine neonates. At 5 minutes, these scores increased to between 8 and 9.
Height and weight were determined. The mean and SD for weight were 3.233 ¡À 0.395,92 g in group 1 was 2.960 ¡À 0.421,05 g in group 2. The difference between means was 273 g and the t-value was 0.03. This difference was not significant.
The mean and SD for height were 50.46 ¡À 2.97 cm in group 1 and 49.77 ¡À 1.09 cm in group 2 and the t-value was 0.82. The difference between the means was not significant.