Fetal yawning

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 1995 Jan;5(1):57-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1995.05010057.x.

Abstract

Incidental fetal yawning movements can rarely be observed during real-time ultrasonographic examination. In this report we document repetitive fetal yawning movements in a 27-week fetus over a 7-min period. Each episode lasted for 4-6 s, and the intervals between them varied from 21 to 195 s. This case demonstrated that fetal yawning, a complex involuntary behavioral reflex, is present in its full extent during the second half of pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetus / physiology*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*
  • Yawning / physiology*