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Measurement of the percentage incidence of fetal breathing and gross body movements as well as of maternal blood glucose concentration was carried out in 12 insulin-dependent diabetic pregnant women and 12 normal controls between 33 and 37 weeks of gestation. The observation period was related to the three meal times. In diabetics no diurnal variation in pre-prandial fetal breathing activity was observed whereas in normal controls fetal breathing incidence was significantly higher before evening dinner than before breakfast. Immediately following lunch and dinner, fetal breathing demonstrated a significantly lower incidence in diabetics than in normals. Since no significant difference in maternal blood glucose concentration was found between the two groups, it is suggested that other factors relative to carbohydrate metabolism may also be involved in the regulation of fetal breathing in diabetes. Fetal gross body activity in diabetics vs. normals did not differ essentially and demonstrated no correlation with the maternal blood glucose levels.

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. Results 1. NORMAL PREGNANCY Before meals, the % incidence of FRM (Fig.l) varied from 24 -30%. A steady increase from 14 to 57% could be observed after breakfast. The study period following lunch and dinner was characterized by an initi'al rise and subsequent fall in % incidence of FRM. MBG levels also showed a rise (max 5/8 mmolA) following meals.

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Summary Fetal breathing movements were recorded by real‐time ultrasound before and after artificial rupture of the membranes. Fifteen normal pregnancies between 39 and 41 weeks gestation were studied. A significant increase in breathing incidence and maximum breathing rate was observed in the first 10 minutes after amniotomy.