Fetal Behaviour: Developmental and Perinatal Aspects (Oxford Medical Publications)

This pioneering book on fetal behavior covers the subject from the first heart-beat to the neonatal period. The introduction of ultrasonography into clinical practice has provided a great deal of new information on the developing fetus, and has clearly shown that perceptible behavior begins in the very early stages of gestation. The book presents a wealth of material on what is known about fetal behavior in humans and animals. Particular attention is given to the concept of behavioral states. The material is presented in four sections. The first gives a detailed description of behavior in the normal human fetus through all the stages of pregnancy. The second looks at the current findings in relation to fetal behavior and developmental physiology, with possible directions for future research. Information on medication potentially dangerous to the developing central nervous system and capable of producing abnormal behavior is included. The third section covers fetal behavior in relation to fetal psychology and the fetal-maternal axis. The final part summarizes consequences for clinical practice, fetal monitoring, and perinatal research. It describes the normal behavior at any given gestational age and the consequences for techniques used to assess the condition of the fetus. This book will be valuable to obstetricians, perinatologists, pediatricians, and researchers in perinatal physiology and developmental psychology.