Early Supraspinal Influences on Human Embryonic Posture.

Knowledge of embryonic body posture as a reflection of neurodevelopment is limited. Here, we investigate embryonic body posture, preference, symmetry, and lateralization during periods of rest using virtual reality (VR) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound techniques to enhance our knowledge of neurodevelopment. It is hypothesized that lateralization and asymmetry in embryonic posture are absent.

Evaluation of embryonic posture using four-dimensional ultrasound and virtual reality.

Aim: To assess the possibility of embryonic posture evaluation (=feasibility, reproducibility, variation) at rest at 9 weeks' (+0-6 days) gestational age (GA) using four-dimensional ultrasound and virtual reality (VR) techniques. Moreover, it is hypothesized that embryonic posture shows variation at the same time point in an uneventful pregnancy.

Methods: In this explorative prospective cohort study, 23 pregnant women were recruited from the Rotterdam periconceptional cohort.