Scans uncover secrets of the womb

[Guest guest]

Scans uncover secrets of the womb

A new type of ultrasound scan has produced vivid pictures of a 12

week-old foetus " walking " in the womb.

The new images also show foetuses apparently yawning and rubbing its

eyes.

The scans, pioneered by Professor Stuart at London's Create

Health Clinic, are much more detailed than conventional ultrasound.

Professor has previously released images of unborn babies

appearing to smile.

He has compiled a book of the images called Watch Me Grow.

Conventional ultrasound, usually offered to mothers at 12 and 20

weeks, produces 2D images of the developing foetus.

These are very useful for helping doctors to measure and assess the

growth of the foetus, but convey very little information about

behaviour.

Complex behaviour

Professor has perfected a technique which not only produces

detailed 3D images, but records foetal movement in real time.

He says his work has been able to show for the first time that the

unborn baby engages in complex behaviour from an early stage of its

development.

Professor told the BBC: " This is a new science for

understanding and mapping out the behaviour of the baby.

" Maybe in the future it will help us understand and diagnose genetic

disease, maybe even conditions like cerebral palsy which puzzles the

medical profession as to why it occurs. "

The images have shown:

From 12 weeks, unborn babies can stretch, kick and leap around the

womb - well before the mother can feel movement

From 18 weeks, they can open their eyes although most doctors thought

eyelids were fused until 26 weeks

From 26 weeks, they appear to exhibit a whole range of typical baby

behaviour and moods, including scratching, smiling, crying,

hiccuping, and sucking.

Until recently it was thought that smiling did not start until six

weeks after birth.

An hour long session using the new technology, which is not yet

available on the NHS, costs £275.

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3846525.stm

Published: 2004/06/28 12:28:39 GMT

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